Smith (back) went 2-for-3 with an RBI single, a two-run home run and a walk in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Sugar Land on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith started at third base and compiled all three of his RBI over the fourth and fifth innings. The 27-year-old also played shortstop for the Aviators on Friday, and he was encouragingly able to up his workload to seven innings Sunday after logging five frames in that contest. Having already suited up on three occasions overall for Las Vegas, Smith may only need another game or two down on the farm before being deemed ready for activation.

Smith (back) started at shortstop in Triple-A Las Vegas' loss to Sugar Land on Friday and played five innings, going 1-for-2.

EDGE Analysis

Smith made his rehab debut with the Aviators on Thursday as the designated hitter, so the fact he was able to not only play on back-to-back days, but also log five innings in the field while doing so, was certainly encouraging. Smith has been sidelined since mid-June with his back strain, so he likely needs at least several more rehab games before he's fully back in sync physically and mentally.

Smith (back) started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 with an RBI single in Triple-A Las Vegas' loss to Sugar Land on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith enjoyed a solid start to his rehab assignment over his three plate appearances. The recovering infielder will work up to playing in the field in subsequent games as he attempts to put the finishing touches on his recovery from a mid-June back strain.

Smith (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith will likely need a number of rehab games before being activated. When he's ready, he should return to the top spot on the shortstop depth chart in Oakland.

Smith (back) is slated to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas either Thursday or Friday, the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been a productive second half of July for Smith in his recovery from a back strain, as he began a swing progression July 15 and subsequently moved to running the bases at full speed. That ramp-up in activity has teed up his imminent return to game action, and Smith is likely to spend at least a week with the Aviators before activation is considered.

Smith (back) has progressed to running the bases at full speed and is close to beginning a rehab assignment, the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has been sidelined since mid-June with his back strain, and it appears he's finally on the precipice of jumping into game action. Given how long he's been on the shelf -- and the fact the 27-year-old was already struggling to the tune of a .191 average and .546 OPS before getting injured -- a fairly extensive rehab assignment is likely to ensure Smith's timing at the plate is as sharp as possible.

Smith (back) is slated to begin a swing progression Saturday, the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has been sidelined since June 17 with a back strain, and the fact he's finally ready to pick up a bat again nearly a month later underscores the severity of the original injury. Now that the 27-year-old appears to finally be making some progress, it remains to be seen how quickly he'll be deemed ready to begin what would project to be a fairly lengthy rehab assignment.

Smith will receive a second opinion on his back injury, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was placed on the 10-day injured list by the A's on June 17 with a back strain, and the infielder remains without a timeline for a return. The second opinion from medical experts will likely go a long way towards determining when Smith is able to get back on the diamond, and there should be an update on his status in the coming days.

Smith was placed on the 10-day injured list with a back strain Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was scratched from the lineup Friday due to back issues, and he's evidently dealing with an injury serious enough to knock him out for at least 10 days. He'd only managed a .191/.216/.330 line in 102 trips to the plate prior to the injury, so his absence is unlikely to be a big blow to Oaklands' fortunes. Tyler Wade was called up to take his place on the roster, but it's Aledmys Diaz who gets the start at shortstop Saturday against the Phillies.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Smith was experiencing back tightness ahead of Friday's game against the Phillies, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's late removal from the lineup was labeled as a precautionary move, so it's unlikely he's facing an extended absence. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.