A’s Countdown to Deadline: Lopez Back in Rotation, Guerra Promoted
Oakland is 41-55 (6.5 games back) with playoff odds under 2%, and GM David Forst says the A’s must improve before the Aug. 3 trade deadline; Aaron Civale was designated for assignment, opening another rotation slot for Jacob Lopez, who will get another chance to prove himself after last year, while the club shuffled its coaching staff—Scott Emerson out, Dan Hubbs interim bullpen coach, and Javy Guerra promoted from the minors to take over bullpen duties for the rest of the season; Shea Langeliers could be a trade chip in what could be a quiet deadline.