The Oakland Athletics designated outfielder Ramon Laureano for assignment and activated American League steals leader Esteury Ruiz from the 10-day injured list on Saturday.
The A's also activated right-hander Dany Jimenez from the 60-day injured list, activated shortstop Kevin Smith from the 10-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas, and optioned right-hander Tayler Scott to Las Vegas.
Laureano, 29, was batting just .213 with six homers and 21 RBIs in 64 games. He has been bothered by groin and hand injuries this season.
Laureano is known as a standout defensive player with one of the strongest throwing arms in the major leagues. But his offensive game has spiraled downhill since hitting .288 with 24 homers and 67 RBIs in 123 games in 2019. He batted .213 or lower in three of the past four seasons.
Ruiz, 24, is batting .257 with one homer and 35 RBIs in 85 games. He last played on July 5 due to a dislocated shoulder.
Ruiz has 43 stolen bases to lead the American League and has the second most in baseball behind the Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. (51 entering Saturday).
Jimenez, 29, has a 5.40 ERA in seven appearances for Oakland this season. He last pitched April 16 due to a shoulder injury.
Smith, 27, is batting .191 with four homers and eight RBIs in 34 games. He is returning from a back injury sustained in mid-June.
Scott, 31, has a 5.06 ERA in six appearances (one start) for Oakland this season. He also pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox this season.
More must-reads: