Joyce (back) has hit .281 (9-for-32) with three doubles, three RBI, three walks and four runs across nine rehab games with Triple-A Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran outfielder is likely on the verge of a return to the big-league club now that rosters have expanded. Joyce has reportedly been free of all setbacks during his minor-league assignment, and the extended time he's played with the Sounds has likely been sufficient to get his timing at the plate back up to speed. If Joyce does indeed return to the Athletics, he'll be part of a crowded outfield rotation that also includes Ramon Laureano, Dustin Fowler, and potentially, likely September callup Nick Martini.

Joyce (back) has received medical clearance to begin a rehab assignment, which will begin Tuesday at Triple-A Nashville, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports. "He's going to get several games under his belt, based on the fact he's been out as long as he has, but we're running up on September pretty soon, so there's only so much time for him to play with one of the affiliates and get ready," A's manager Bob Melvin said.

EDGE Analysis

Joyce has been out of game action since July 4, so he'll need multiple games at the minor-league level to get some semblance of timing at the plate back. There are just over two weeks left in the minor-league season, so Joyce should have just enough time to get his work in before big-league rosters expand for September. The veteran projects to have more competition for playing time upon return, however, as Nick Martini and Ramon Laureano have been promoted in his absence and performed well.

Joyce (back) participated in batting practice Friday, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Joyce has been on the 10-day disabled list since July since due to a lumbar strain, but he's yet to embark on a rehab stint after suffering multiple setbacks. He began taking swings off a tee earlier in the week, and barring further issues, manager Doug Melvin is hopeful Joyce will return from the DL at the beginning of September.

Joyce (back) has been hitting off a tee recently, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Joyce has been hitting off a tee for several days now, and he's hoping to progress to batting practice later in the week if everything goes as planned. The 34-year-old has been sidelined since July 7, so he'll still need to complete a multi-game rehab assignment before he's cleared to return.

Joyce (back) has been doing strength drills and Watkins exercises with his back but has not yet resumed baseball activities, Eric He of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The outfielder received a second epidural shot last Wednesday after experiencing a setback while performing baseball-related activities. Considering he's been out of action since July 7, a relatively sizable minor-league rehab assignment likely awaits Joyce once he's able to gain sufficient clearance.

Joyce (back) recently received a second epidural shot and hopes to resume swinging a bat in the near future, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Joyce had the first epidural injection in mid-July but suffered a setback a couple days ago after being cleared to start baseball activities. He will likely remain sidelined for another 10-to-14 days, though a better timetable should come into focus once he resumes swinging a bat.

Joyce (back) suffered a setback and is scheduled to visit doctors in Los Angeles on Monday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Joyce managed to resume baseball activities starting July 23, but after having a setback, it's unlikely that he'll return from the disabled list after the minimum. More news on his status should emerge after consulting with physicians.

Joyce (back) took dry swings at the Oakland Coliseum on Monday, marking the resumption of baseball activities, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was a modest but important step for the outfielder, who's been sidelined since July 7 with his lumbar strain. Joyce received an epidural injection a little over a week ago, which may have finally started him on the road to improvement. Once he's deemed healthy enough, Joyce is expected to fulfill a minor-league rehab assignment prior to activation.

Joyce (back) has not resumed hitting after receiving an epidural injection last week, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Joyce said that he is being extra cautious in the hopes that giving his back a little extra rest will keep him from suffering a setback or a similar injury in the future. Since he's yet to start hitting or taking any swings at this point, he may remain sidelined through the end of this month, though a more concrete timetable should come to light once he resumes activities.

Joyce was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a lumbar strain, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Joyce will hit the shelf with a lower-back injury that he's apparently been dealing with for quite some time. The club has yet to announce a timetable for his return, but he will be sidelined through the All-Star break as Nick Martini takes his place on the active roster.