--OF Ryan Sweeney had an MRI on his injured right thumb that confirmed the initial diagnosis: He has a severe sprain but there is no fracture. 

MEDICAL WATCH: DH/1B Mike Sweeney (sore left knee) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 29, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on July 8. 

--OF Ryan Sweeney had an MRI on his injured right thumb that confirmed the initial diagnosis: He has a severe sprain but there is no fracture. 

MEDICAL WATCH: DH/1B Mike Sweeney (sore left knee) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 29, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on July 8. 

Kurt Suzuki doesn't have much more experience than the A's many rookies, but the catcher, who came up halfway through last season, has shown a knack for late-game poise. 

Kurt Suzuki doesn't have much more experience than the A's many rookies, but the catcher, who came up halfway through last season, has shown a knack for late-game poise. 

Two-Start Pitchers 

The Chicago White Sox's continued struggles in Oakland cost them sole possession of first place in the AL Central. 

Kurt Suzuki gave the slumping Oakland Athletics something to celebrate. 

Pitcher Brett Hunter, the Oakland Athletics' seventh-round draft pick in the amateur draft, agreed Friday night to a minor league contract with a $1. 

MEDICAL WATCH: OF Ryan Sweeney (sprained right thumb) went on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 

As poorly as the A's have played since the weekend before the All-Star break, one nice number for the team was rookie reliever Brad Ziegler's scoreless streak. 

--OF Jack Cust tied his own Oakland record by striking out in his 19th consecutive game. 

The Angels are rolling now, and they'd better enjoy it. 

Home runs have helped the Chicago White Sox remain atop the AL Central standings most of the season.