--OF Matt Murton was called up from Class AAA Sacramento -- where he hadn't actually ever reported -- in order to fill in for left fielder Ryan Sweeney, out with a hand injury. 

Ervin Santana's success on the road is a big reason why he earned his first All-Star game selection this season. 

Most of Sean Gallagher's belongings remain in boxes and the right-hander is trying to learn the names and faces of his new teammates. 

Sean Gallagher allowed two hits over seven innings in his Oakland debut and fellow newcomer Matt Murton drove in two runs as the Athletics beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-2 on Friday might. 

Outfielder Matt Murton, acquired by Oakland in the trade that sent Rich Harden to the Chicago Cubs, joined the Athletics on Friday night and was in the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Angels. 

Traditionally, around the All-Star break is the time where teams wind up activating guys off the disabled list, consider promoting prospects and generally look to solidify their 25-man rosters heading into the second half. 

MEDICAL WATCH: OF Ryan Sweeney (dislocated left pinkie) left the July 10 game. 

With the Rich Harden deal concluded, the A's continued to amass young starting pitchers, plus they added to their large cache of major league caliber -- or nearly major league-ready -- outfielders. 

--OF Ryan Sweeney came out of the game against Seattle after dislocating his left pinkie while being thrown out trying to steal second base in the third inning. 

The Los Angeles Angels' lineup is beginning to build some consistency. 

Emil Brown rounded the bases, then grabbed A's hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo and nearly smothered him in a hug - a good student acknowledging his teacher. 

Oakland Athletics outfielder Ryan Sweeney left Thursday's game against the Seattle Mariners following the bottom of the third inning with a dislocated left pinkie. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Keith Foulke (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list July 4. 

Jack Cust is piling up strikeouts at a ridiculous rate, with a league high 110 and whiffs in 16 games running. 

--RHP Sean Gallagher, obtained in the trade that sent RHPs Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Cubs on Tuesday, arrived in Oakland on Wednesday.