The A’s disabled list is the lightest it has been all year, and two more players are close to going on rehab assignments.
Catcher Josh Phegley (oblique) is being worked back into batting practice, while outfielder Jake Smolinski (shoulder surgery) is throwing at a distance of 90 feet. Smolinski, who has been out all season, expects to go to Class A Stockton in the next week and will be a designated hitter initially, but could be playing the outfield this month and possibly see time with the A’s in September.
Phegley also might be more of a September consideration for Oakland, given that new addition Dustin Garneau has shown strong skills behind the plate.