Ramon Laureano, in theory, has an important part to play on the Oakland A’s. He is one of the few stars left on the team, someone that the few fans willing to go to the ballpark would pay to watch. Laureano could also serve as a mentor to the younger players, especially Cristian Pache, who is a similar type of player.
But Laureano still has some unfinished business from 2022 to take care of first. He was suspended for 80 games last year due to a failed PED test, with 27 games left to go this season. Right now, he is due to finish his suspension on May 8 and return to the A’s lineup.
Ramon Laureano getting ready for return to Oakland A’s
With just a couple of weeks left in his suspension, Laureano is getting ready to make his return to the lineup. He has begun playing with the Las Vegas Aviators, starting his rehab assignment on Saturday. Laureano was 0-3 in that game, handling his only chance in center in the seven innings he played.
At this point, the results are somewhat irrelevant. Laureano needs to work his way back to game speed and get himself ready to be activated. His timing at the plate needs to return and he needs to be prepared to play multiple games in a row once he is back.
There may also be some question about his role. While Laureano is a better contributor to the lineup than Pache, the A’s prospect has proven to be more than capable of handling the position defensively. Laureano has spent time in right in the past, notably when the A’s acquired Starling Marte at the trade deadline last year. Such a move may happen again this year, especially if Stephen Piscotty continues to struggle.
The Oakland A’s are getting one of their key pieces back soon. Ramon Laureano has begun to get back into game shape at Triple-A Las Vegas.