Smith will rejoin the Athletics' starting rotation and start Thursday's game against the Orioles, Joe Stiglich of NBC Sports California reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith made four starts for the Athletics earlier this season but was temporarily shifted to the bullpen last week as Daniel Gossett received an opportunity to start. With Gossett being optioned to Triple-A following his start, Smith will rejoin the rotation for the time being, though he's subject to lose his spot with poor performance.

Smith gave up four earned runs on five hits and two walks over four innings in Thursday's 11-2 loss to the Giants. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Smith didn't encounter the same level of success he'd enjoyed as a starter Thursday, and the 416-foot three-run shot he gave up to fellow hurler Ty Blach in the fifth served as the low point of his outing. The 36-year-old was recently moved to the bullpen, where he's valued for his ability to eat up multiple innings. However, manager Bob Melvin has also said that Smith could return to the starting rotation if a starter struggles, so his role remains in flux for the time being.

Smith will head to the bullpen for the time being but is a candidate to return to the rotation should Daniel Gossett or Jharel Cotton struggle, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 36-year-old right-hander has surprisingly turned in quality starts in three of his four trips to the mound this season, so it appears he'll be the first man up if manager Bob Melvin feels the need to shake up the rotation. Cotton struggled in his first start off the disabled list Sunday, while Gossett was hit hard by the Twins in his own right in his most recent start last Friday.

Smith allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts over five innings in a no-decision Saturday against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

For the first time in four major league outings, Smith failed to record a quality start. His lack of missed bats finally caught up to him, as the Twins touched up him up for three extra base-hits, including a homer, among the seven hits he allowed. Smith's ERA sits at 4.13, and unless he can find more strikeouts (14 through 24 major league innings), he'll have a hard time doing much better.

Smith (0-1) allowed three runs on six hits and three walks across six innings in Monday's loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Smith allowed a solo home run in the first inning and saw another pair come around in the fourth on three hits and two walks. It was the third quality start in three tries at the Major League level for the 36-year-old, who only had a handful of relief appearances under his belt over the last seven seasons, but a lack of run support cost him a shot at his first win of the season. Smith's next start has not yet been scheduled, but with a steady string of results under his belt and a 3.32 ERA, he could get the nod during this weekend's series against the Twins.

Smith will start Monday's game in Toronto, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was originally thought that Jharel Cotton (finger) would be able to return to the big-league rotation Monday, but he will need another rehab start, so Smith sticks for now. His stay is not unwarranted, as he has a 2.77 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and eight strikeouts in 13 innings across two big-league starts this season. In fact, with Cotton not set to make his next rehab start until Tuesday, Smith appears to be in line to make two starts next week, as Cotton won't be ready to start again until next Sunday. There is some guess work involved there, but in deeper weekly formats, he is interesting, at the very least.

Smith didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Rays but gave up just two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran has made for a rather unlikely effective stopgap for the Athletics while Jharel Cotton (finger) has been sidelined, as he's now turned in a pair of quality starts while generating a solid 2.77 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. Smith had never started a game at the major-league level until taking the hill against the Mariners on July 8, so the results have certainly been pleasantly surprising. However, with Cotton likely to be ready for his next turn in the rotation, Smith appears destined to head back down to Triple-A Nashville, unless manager Bob Melvin opts to retain him for relief help.

Smith will start Tuesday's game against the Rays, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Athletics are likely keeping the fifth spot in the rotation warm for Jharel Cotton (finger), but since Cotton will need to make a rehab start at Triple-A Nashville this week, Smith will stick around in a starting role for a little while longer. The 36-year-old performed adequately in his season debut with the Athletics on July 8 against the Mariners, giving up three runs on six hits and one walk over six innings.

Smith delivered six innings in his first major-league start Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four over a no-decision against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has mostly appeared as a reliever in the majors but was forced into duty with Jharel Cotton nursing a thumb injury. Smith, 36, could have a chance to earn at least another start after the All-Star break but might be safest for the club to keep at Triple-A Nashville as organizational insurance.

Smith had his contract selected from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday and is slated to start against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Smith, who made 13 appearances with the A's as a reliever last season, owns a 3.16 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 74 innings with Triple-A Nashville this season and takes over for the injured Jharel Cotton (thumb). The 36-year-old righty will likely need a strong performance to remain with the team after the upcoming All-Star break, as it will be his first major league start in 10 seasons of service.