Oakland placed IF-R Esteban German on the disabled list yesterday. German strained his left oblique during batting practice prior to the A's June 30th game against Anaheim. Consequently, sending German to the DL was the logical way to clear a roster spot for 3B-L Eric Chavez's return from the disabled list. German should be ready to return to action sometime between late July and mid-August, but unless another Oakland infielder lands on the DL, he will probably head to AAA once activated from the disabled list. The 26-year-old should return to the majors when rosters expand in September.

Chavez pushed to return as quickly as possible from his broken right hand, but the A's seem to have fairly thoroughly tested the 26-year-old before allowing him to rejoin the team. Oakland plans to reinsert Chavez into the lineup at third base immediately.

On July 2nd, the Athletics placed LHP Arthur Rhodes on the disabled list. Rhodes strained his back in late June and did not appear in a game between June 22nd and his placement on the disabled list. The 34-year-old was making progress but suffered another setback earlier this week, so he probably will not be able to rejoin the team much before August, as Oakland wants him to go on a rehab assignment prior to returning to the major league pen.