Oakland Athletics infielder Kevin Smith, who was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 16) with a strained back, has been doing well and was set to begin a swing progression over the weekend, according to manager Mark Kotsay. It's been slow progress for the 27-year-old, but it's a good sign that he's swinging a bat again, and he should be able to return to the A's in early August, barring a setback. Smith had played in 34 games for Oakland this year before his injury, and he was hitting just .191 (18-for-94) with four home runs, one double, eight RBI and 11 runs scored in 102 plate appearances in his second year with the A's.
The Oakland Athletics called up infielder Kevin Smith from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday after the team placed outfielder Seth Brown (oblique) on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique. It remains to be seen how much playing time Smith will actually get in Oakland, but he could see some starts at third base. The 26-year-old hit just .180/.216/.302 with a .518 OPS, two home runs, 13 RBI, nine runs scored and four stolen bases in 151 plate appearances and 47 games for the A's last year in just his second big-league season. Before his call-up, he was hitting .300 (9-for-30) with a double, five home runs, 12 RBI, nine runs scored and four stolen bases in seven games with Las Vegas.
Oakland A's infielder Kevin Smith left his team's Monday game against the Houston Astros with a knee contusion. Smith was lifted for pinch-runner Seth Brown in the sixth inning of the 5-1 loss to Houston. It is believed that Smith suffered the injury while making a diving play near the dugout, but manager Mark Kotsay told reporters that he expects Smith to be able to play on Tuesday. Smith is hitting .203 with two homers, nine runs, 13 RBI, and three steals over 123 at-bats.
Kevin Smith Could Begin Rehab Assignment This Week
Oakland Athletics third baseman Kevin Smith (ankle) could be sent out on a minor league rehab assignment this week. The 25-year-old has been out for about a week due to a bone bruise in his left ankle. He engaged in some baseball activities this past weekend such as fielding ground balls and taking some swings in the batting cage. He is first eligible to come off the injured list on April 30, but it's unclear at this point if he'll be ready when first eligible. Smith was struggling at the plate prior to landing on the injured list. Over 11 games this year, he's slashed .161/.212/.226 with two extra-base hits, both doubles.
Oakland Athletics third baseman Kevin Smith is not part of the team's starting lineup for Monday's game against Luis Patino and the Tampa Bay Rays. Sheldon Neuse is getting the start at third base and batting eighth in the game. Smith started each of the team's first three games of the year and struggled immensely at the plate, going 0-for-11 with six strikeouts. The 25-year-old had a strong spring with the A's, posting a 1.047 OPS while tallying three home runs, three doubles and 11 RBI over 43 plate appearances. He should be in the lineup more often than not going forward, assuming he can turn things around after this slow start.
