Elephant Rumblings: Miller out, Stripling up, draftees signed

MLB news roundup

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

A’s closer extraordinaire Mason Miller pulled a Luzardo of sorts, breaking his left pinky by pounding a padded table in a moment of frustration after Monday’s game against the Astros. It may seem like a careless mistake on Miller’s part, but Melissa Lockard correctly pointed out that this, like everything else, is actually John Fisher’s fault.

AN’s Connor Ashford has details on Miller’s status and the return of starting pitcher Ross Stripling in yesterday’s roster swap. Stripling got right to work for the A’s, starting yesterday’s series opener in Anaheim against the Angels. He didn’t throw a lot of strikes, but managed to get through 5 ⅔ innings despite allowing five runs in the second.

Garrett Spain dropped two more great pieces on AN yesterday. His latest minor league and prospects update goes deep on how the youngsters are faring across the A’s minor league affiliates, highlighted by Denzel Clarke and lowlighted by Joe Boyle.

The A’s have been busy signing their latest draftees to shore up their farm system, with 20 picks now under contract.

Garrett has you covered on this story as well with highlights and analysis on this newly secured draft class. One of them—first baseman and first round pick Nick Kurtz—made the latest top 60 prospect rankings from Keith Law at The Athletic. Guess who didn’t.

Paul Blackburn is slated to return to the mound tonight in Anaheim! Have a wonderful weekend, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• A’s use the long ball to claim 6-5 victory
• Athletics announce signing of 20 draft picks
• Athletics place Mason Miller on IL, activate Ross Stripling
• Athletics Prospects: Denzel Clarke continues hot hitting
• Injuries & Moves: Blackburn to start Friday; Medina, Wood to undergo season-ending surgeries
• In the right-field stands, an Oakland A’s die-hard faces an empty future ($)
• How Bally’s buyout might affect resort plans for A’s Vegas stadium site
• A’s prepare to lay off over 230 employees after final Oakland season ends ($)
• A’s are Becoming Fun Again
• A’s Ticket Prices for Final Game Going Up

MLB News & Interest:

• Padres’ Dylan Cease’s no-hitter through the eyes of teammate (and landlord) Joe Musgrove ($)
• Top 60 MLB prospects: Jackson Holliday, Marcelo Mayer lead Keith Law’s updated rankings ($)
• Christian Yelich To Attempt Non-Surgical Rehab On Back
• Concerns about Garrett Crochet’s playoff availability and desire for contract extension cloud trade picture: Sources ($)
• Orioles’ Jorge Mateo Suffers Left Elbow Subluxation; Connor Norby To See Regular Time At Second Base
• Blue Jays Plan To Keep Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman
• Giants closer Rod Beck was a terror on the mound. But when the AIDS crisis grew, he was all heart ($)
• Dodgers, Yankees Interested In Rich Hill
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

These stats are...delicious!

Truly, ‘nuff said.

Double dingers for Bowman.