OAKLAND -- The A's should get a big boost later this homestand with the expected return of outfielder Ramón Laureano from the injured list.
The 24-year-old has missed the last 29 games with a stress reaction in his right shin, but he took batting practice with the team prior to Tuesday's series opener against the Angels. A's manager Bob Melvin expects to have Laureano back in the lineup when Oakland hosts the Detroit Tigers this weekend.
"Our timetable has always been the Detroit series so I think we're going to stay disciplined with that," Melvin said. "I know he's eager to play. He was eager to play a week ago. But there are reasons that we're doing this. We want to make sure he's healthy. If all goes well here in the next couple of days, I think it would be sometime during the Detroit series."
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Laureano has been performing all baseball activities recently, including running on the field and facing live pitching, so he will not require a rehab assignment.
"Whenever they say," Laureano told reporters. "I feel like I'm ready."
Laureano leads the A's with a .284 batting average this season, while his 21 home runs and 58 RBI each rank fifth on the team. He was especially hot in the month before his injury, slashing .392/.443/.838 with eight homers and 18 RBI in July.
"A guy like Ramón Laureano will be a nice addition back into our lineup, both offensively and defensively," Melvin said.
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When Laureano does return, Mark Canha will likely shift from center to right field, with Robbie Grossman, Chad Pinder, and Seth Brown sharing time in left. The A's will not need to make a corresponding move, as the rosters have expanded to 40 for the month of September.