The A's declined to tender Blanks (Achilles) a contract. The writing for this move had been on the wall for several days, as the A's designated Blanks for assignment last Friday. Blanks, 28, is a .244/.342/.409 career hitter against left-handed pitching and will likely to look to earn a short-end platoon role or bench position elsewhere.

The A's designated Blanks for assignment Friday. A trade acquisition from the Padres in mid-May, Blanks hit .309/.409/.436 with two homers in 26 games with the A's before a bout of Achilles tendinitis derailed his season. With the team needing to clear room for several players following the Josh Donaldson trade to Toronto, Blanks and pitcher Josh Lindblom were both bumped from the 40-man roster, but the right-handed-swinging Blanks may very well get a chance to compete for a short-end platoon role with another club.

Blanks (Achilles) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Sunday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Blanks has already missed more than 60 days with the Achilles tendinitis, so the transaction won't do much to change his predicament. He remains confined to walking boot for at least the next week or two, after which he'll be able to begin taking part in more baseball-related activities.

Blanks has been diagnosed with left Achilles tendinitis and there is no timetable for a return, CSN California's Joe Stiglich reports. At this point it's safe to part ways with Blanks in most formats, as there's little over a month left, and he won't be playing everyday even if he is able to return this season.

Blanks is experiencing a setback in his rehab, and is now having problems with both feet, CSN California's Joe Stiglich reports. Originally it was his calf that forced him to the 15-day DL, but the A's are now giving him an MRI on his feet to see what the new situation is. It's now looking like the soonest he could return to the A's would be sometime in September.

Blanks (calf) is expected to begin a rehab assignment Sunday, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports. Blanks ran the bases several times this week, and it appears the results were favorable enough to clear him to participate in rehab games. First base has been a bit of a revolving door for the Athletics this season, so Blanks has a slight chance to see some playing time after going 17-for-55 at the dish during his prior time with the team.

Blanks (calf) is scheduled to run the bases Tuesday and Thursday and if that goes well, he will go on a rehab assignment shortly after, CSN California's Joe Stiglich reports.

Kyle Blanks said Wednesday his injured left calf is "doing better, a lot better." Blanks is dealing with a slight tear in the calf, and he's been on the disabled list since June 23. A's manager Bob Melvin said Blanks is nearing a rehab assignment but is still probably at least a week away. A return in mid-August appears like the most likely scenario for the 27-year-old.

An MRI on Kyle Blanks' left calf has revealed a slight tear. Blanks is eligible to return on July 8, but that won't happen. "He's gonna be a while," Athletics manager Bob Melvin said. There's no timetable for Blanks' return.

Kyle Blanks (calf) is swinging a bat but has yet to do any running. Blanks has been out of commission for the last week due to a strained left calf. It's not clear when he'll be allowed to do any running, but obviously that will be the biggest test to determine when he might return.