Elephant Rumblings: Miller returns to bullpen today

MLB news roundup

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

Sooner or later, someone had to do the White Sox the kindness of losing a game to them to end their historically long skid. The A’s stepped up to do that good deed last night, and while I wasn’t unsympathetic towards the Sox and their fans, I wish their drought had ended somewhere besides the Coliseum.

Redemption is attainable, however, as this last series of the A’s current homestand is up for grabs in today’s rubber match. The A’s should be equipped to close the series with strength, with All-Star bullpen ace Mason Miller slated to return from his stint on the IL.

Miller has been inactive due to a hand fracture since July 25. The A’s have a winning 17-12 record from the beginning of July through yesterday, but a defeat today would mark a second straight series loss, so it’s comforting to have Oakland’s best arm available again as this young roster strives to turn the corner on a tough rebuild stretch and continue demonstrating their winning potential. Let’s go, Oakland!

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics lose to White Sox 5-1
• Mason Miller to Return Wednesday
• Miller faces surprise guest in first batting practice session
• A’s Minor League Standouts, Including Max Muncy’s 3-Homer Game
• Former Oakland A’s Now Hitting in the Middle of Miami’s Lineup
• A’s to Sell Their Half of Oakland Coliseum Site

MLB News & Interest:

• MLB Power Rankings: Phillies free fall, Yankees claw back; key acquisitions for each team ($)
• Billy Bean, MLB exec and game’s second openly gay former player, dies at 60 ($)
• Why is Giants’ Matt Chapman in a referee jersey? It’s all part of a postgame ritual ($)
• Jesus Luzardo Still Six Weeks From Throwing
• Dodgers Activate Brusdar Graterol, Place Blake Treinen On IL
• How Greg Maddux and a two-seamer led Hiroki Kuroda to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame ($)
• Wilmer Flores Done For The Year Due To Knee Injury
• Luis Rengifo, Chase Silseth Undergo Season-Ending Surgeries
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

Wouldn’t have guessed CBass’d make this list.

Clarke gets Texas League POTM.

And teammate Beers gets pitching honors.