Some injured players are closing in on a return for the Oakland Athletics. Esteury Ruiz began a rehab assignment Friday night with Triple-A Las Vegas. Ruiz suffered a shoulder injury back on July 5 while diving back into first base in Detroit. Ruiz played five innings in center field and went 1-for-2 at the plate with a run scored. There is still no firm timetable for his return, but he’s progressing.
Infielder Kevin Smith joined Ruiz in Las Vegas’ lineup Friday night, playing five innings at shortstop while going 1-for-2 at the plate. Smith has been sidelined since the middle of June with a back strain.