The Athletics released Bobby Kielty on Tuesday, ending a streak of five consecutive days without a roster move.

ESPN's MLB trade deadline telecast reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers are pursuing Oakland A's starting right-handed pitcher Joe Blanton.

The Mets and Phillies also were in contact with the A's about Joe Blanton on Monday, sources say, but the A's prefer to deal with the Dodgers, whose farm system is one of the deepest in the game.

The Dodgers made a strong, aggressive push to acquire right-hander Joe Blanton from the A's on Monday, but fell short of completing a trade, according to major-league sources.

The Mets have talked with the A's about starting pitcher Joe Blanton, but Oakland wants Lastings Milledge and more, and the Mets can't deal Milledge right now with all of their outfield health issues.

The A's will listen on right-hander Joe Blanton, according to one rival executive.

The Yankees really want A's first baseman Dan Johnson, who they believe would become a better offensive player away from Oakland's pitcher-friendly park.

An out-of-line fan sitting near the A's dugout Wednesday afternoon at Angel Stadium threw a plastic water bottle and struck Mike Piazza in the head, prompting the A's designated hitter to promise legal action.

The Oakland A's today placed shortstop Bobby Crosby on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left hand and recalled infielder Donnie Murphy from Triple-A Sacramento.

The Cubs have acquired catcher Jason Kendall from the A's for Rob Bowen and a minor leaguer, FOXSports.

After a day or two of discussions, Mike Piazza began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento on Friday night -- no catching duties required.

A's general manager Billy Beane said Wednesday that he'd spoken to MikePiazza's agent, Dan Lozano, and that Lozano had "hinted around'' that he and Piazza would like to discuss the team's plans to have Piazza rehab as a catcher.

The Twins' four-game series against Oakland beginning Thursday evening in the Metrodome could be an audition for A's first baseman Dan Johnson, a Blaine High School graduate.

Rich Harden's troublesome right shoulder still didn't feel right Sunday, prompting him to skip his planned throwing session.

A's starter Joe Blanton was ejected in the seventh inning of Oakland's game against the Mariners on Sunday after shoving Ichiro Suzuki, clearing both benches.

Rick Harden looked strong throwing a side session before Wednesday's game, the clinching factor in deciding he's ready to return to the A's rotation.

Athletics reliever Justin Duchscherer will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hip.