Oakland Athletics Roster
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Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in a loss to the Royals on Thursday. Kansas City starter Mike Minor was mowing A's down in this one, but it could've been any pitcher on the mound the way Chapman has been hitting. The former All-Star has just two hits in his last 19 plate appearances and is batting just .202 on the season. Chapman is whiffing 32 percent of the time he comes to the plate after posting a 35 percent K-rate last year. Something is clearly off with Chapman and he's not startable in fantasy right now. He'll try and turn things around with three more games against the Royals lined up this weekend.
Oakland Athletics outfielder Ramon Laureano (hip) was able to take batting practice ahead of Thursday's game against the Kansas City Royals. It sounds like Laureano is making good progress from his right hip strain. He has been sidelined since June 1, but could return to the big league roster shortly. The young outfielder claims he doesn't need a rehab assignment, but Oakland might have him take a few at-bats in Triple-A anyway. Regardless, it sounds like Laureano should return to the big league roster soon. He has slapped 11 home runs this season and should be rostered in most fantasy formats.
Oakland Athletics pitcher Jesus Luzardo allowed three earned runs in just one inning in a relief appearance against the Royals on Thursday. The left-hander has now allowed five runs in his last two outings, spanning just three innings. His ERA has shot up to 5.91 with unflattering peripheral numbers like a 5.01 FIP. Luzardo's long-term potential remains sky-high, but his value in redraft leagues is diminishing with each outing. He's not likely to return to the starting rotation any time soon as the A's are managing his innings. Luzardo is a must-roster option in dynasty leagues, but he can be left on waivers in most redraft formats.
Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Trevor Rosenthal (shoulder) is reportedly progressing rapidly through his strength program, according to manager Bob Melvin. The veteran has not thrown a pitch for the big league roster yet due to injury. Rosenthal has not even played catch yet, but the organization is hopeful for a return by August. It's uncertain if Rosenthal will have reliable fantasy value when he does return. He could be an asset if he returns as the closer, but otherwise he can be ignored in fantasy formats if he returns as a middle relief pitcher.
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Frankie Montas allowed three runs, two earned, across 6 1/3 innings pitched in a loss to the Royals on Thursday. Montas looked good in this one as he racked up eight K's, but he got no run support as Oakland was shut down by Mike Minor. Montas has been a consistent fantasy contributor as he's gone at least five innings in nine straight starts and allowed no more than three runs in any of them. He's sporting a 3.51 ERA with a 3.36 FIP and a 23.8 percent strikeout rate in that span. Montas will look to keep the good times rolling in a home start against the Angels next time out.