When the Oakland Athletics were 4 1/2 games out of a playoff spot at the All-Star break, they probably didn't imagine having to wait six weeks to put together a winning streak. 

Greg Smith and Brad Ziegler are rookies, yet they are already in step with the rest of the American League. 

All-star right-hander Justin Duchscherer went back on the disabled list Thursday because of a strained hip, the latest in an epidemic of injuries for the fallen Oakland Athletics. 

Oakland suddenly has two holes in the rotation because of Justin Duchscherer's right hip injury and Sean Gallagher's fatigued right arm. 

--DH Mike Sweeney went 1-for-3 in the second game of his rehab assignment with Class AAA Sacramento. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Sean Gallagher (fatigued right arm) will not throw before Aug. 

The Minnesota Twins stuffed equipment bags and suitcases to their brims, preparing for two full weeks on the road and a defining stretch of this so-far successful season. 

Poor production at the plate has the Oakland Athletics mired in one of their worst stretches in nearly 50 years. 

Sean Gallagher has a tired right arm and will skip his next scheduled start for the Oakland Athletics, and Justin Duchscherer will probably do the same. 

It has been a stormy few weeks for many major league bullpens around the league. 

There are no 96 mph heaters from Kevin Slowey. 

Kevin Slowey had a career-high 12 strikeouts and Brian Buscher matched his career best with five RBIs in the Minnesota Twins' 13-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night. 

The Minnesota Twins have one of the best home records in the majors, and since Francisco Liriano was recalled from the minors earlier this month, he's done his part to help. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Justin Duchscherer (sore right hip) left the Aug. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Justin Duchscherer (sore right hip) left the Aug.