Notes: 'Laser Ramón' always ready; Olson

OAKLAND -- The chances for Ramón Laureano to show off his cannon of an arm have incrementally decreased in recent seasons as his reputation made its way around the league. On Friday night, he reminded everyone why he’s nicknamed “Laser Ramón.”

With the Orioles already leading by a run and threatening for more in the ninth, Laureano picked up a bloop single by Pat Valaika and fired a rocket to Matt Chapman at third base to nab Ryan Mountcastle, who was attempting to go first to third. Though the A’s ended up losing, 3-2, that play by Laureano was pivotal at the time to keep the deficit at one run.

“He hasn’t had many opportunities,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said before Saturday’s game against the Orioles. “Sometimes that frustrates him a little bit, too, because he likes to throw. But we’ve seen him do it so many times that we’re immune to it, to an extent. But even though he doesn’t get the opportunities, he’s still out there throwing every day and practicing it. He was up for it again last night.”

The 8-5 assist was Laureano's third of the season and 24th since making his Major League debut on Aug. 3, 2018, which is the most among all Major League outfielders over that span. He already has one more assist than the two he registered for the 2020 season, showing that while his throwing prowess is well-documented, there still appear to be some runners out there brave enough to test that arm.

Noticing teams trying to run on him a bit more this season, Laureano welcomes the challenge.

“I’m always anticipating that they’re going to go,” Laureano said. “[I'm] just being ready to execute. It doesn’t matter if they’re slow or fast. I’m always anticipating to throw it.”

Olson takes swings
Matt Olson was out of the starting lineup for a third straight game on Saturday as he continues to deal with swelling around his left eye after hitting a ball off the L-screen that ricocheted back and hit him during batting practice on Thursday.

After Olson took some swings in the cage on Saturday, Melvin said the slugger was feeling better but declared him “doubtful” when asked about the possibility of him returning for Sunday’s series finale.

“It’s literally day to day,” Melvin said. “When he came in today, it didn’t look like he was going to be able to play. He took a few swings and took some ground balls. But if I had to handicap it, I would say tomorrow is not going to happen.”

With Olson out again, Seth Brown got the start at first base on Saturday.

Injury notes
• Left-hander A.J. Puk (biceps strain) threw a bullpen session on Saturday. The A’s will wait to see how he responds on Sunday before deciding the next step for him.

• Right-hander Burch Smith (groin strain) is scheduled to throw two innings in a sim game at the club’s alternate site in Stockton on Sunday.