Athletics starting pitcher Ken Waldichuk (elbow) continues to progress in his recovery and will start a rehab assignment Sunday in Single-A for the Stockton Ports. Waldichuk missed all of last season with his elbow injury and underwent Tommy John surgery last May. The 27-year-old lefty went 4-9 in 35 games in 2023, including 22 starts. He compiled a 5.36 ERA and 5.30 FIP, while totaling 132 strikeouts in 141 innings. Before arriving in the majors in 2022, Waldichuk had a 6-4 record with a 2.84 ERA and 3.45 FIP in 21 starts in the minors. He was acquired by the A's from the Yankees in a trade deadline deal that sent Frankie Montas to the Bronx. Waldichuk will look to work his way back into a rotation spot in the second half. In other A's pitching news, lefty reliever Brady Basso (shoulder) was pulled off rehab and will be reevaluated. He has been sidelined all season with a shoulder strain.

Athletics left-hander Brady Basso (shoulder) felt good after throwing an inning with Single-A Stockton during a minor-league rehab outing on Sunday, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. The A's are looking at using him in a relief role, which could get him back to the big leagues quicker. Basso is currently on the 60-day injured list and has yet to pitch in the big leagues this year due to his shoulder injury, but he could be an option out of their bullpen before the All-Star break. The 27-year-old southpaw made his MLB debut with the A's last year and posted a 4.03 ERA (3.88 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 19 strikeouts and five walks in seven outings (four starts) over 22 1/3 innings. Basso relies on command and doesn't have strikeout stuff, so he certainly won't be in play in mixed fantasy leagues when he returns to the majors in 2025.

Athletics left-hander Brady Basso (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session on Wednesday and will start a minor-league rehab assignment on Sunday with Single-A Stockton, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Basso is currently on the 60-day injured list with a strained left shoulder, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he could be an option for the big-league pitching staff in mid-June. The 27-year-old southpaw only made two appearances in spring training before injuring his shoulder, so he'll be making his 2025 debut whenever he gets into a game for the A's. The former 16th-rounder made his MLB debut last year and had a 4.03 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 19 K's and five free passes in seven games (four starts) over 22 1/3 innings. For now, Basso is a watch candidate in AL-only leagues.

Athletics left-hander Brady Basso (shoulder) has been shut down in camp due to a left-shoulder strain, and there's no timetable for his return at this time. Basso was most likely ticketed to start the 2025 season at Triple-A Las Vegas this year anyway, but now it looks like he'll be opening the year on the minor-league injured list due to his shoulder ailment. The 27-year-old southpaw had tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings in Cactus League play before getting hurt. The former 16th-round pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma State University had Tommy John surgery in 2021 but was able to make his big-league debut in 2024, going 1-1 with a 4.03 ERA (3.88 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 19 strikeouts and five walks in 22 1/3 innings over seven outings (four starts) last year. Basso isn't a big strikeout guy, so for now, we'd only recommend stashing him in deeper dynasty leagues.