The A's began their All-Star break by firing pitching coach Scott Emerson on Monday, after he'd been with the organization for over 20 years. Emerson, or "Emo" as he was called in the clubhouse, had been the A's pitching coach since 2017. 

Friday on A's Cast, manager Mark Kotsay said that the decision to dismiss Emerson wasn't an easy one, but one that he and GM David Forst felt needed to be made. 

"I'm still not through it, really," Kotsay said of the conversation he had with Emerson earlier this week, given how long the two have known each other and how long Emo had served as Kotsay's pitching coach in his managerial career thus far. 

"I hold myself accountable," Kotsay continued. "Scott's a relentless worker. Scott cares about this organization as much as anything in his life. This discussion with him on Monday morning wasn't an easy one, because it wasn't for lack of effort. It wasn't for the work ethic that he puts into it day in and day out." 

Replacing Emerson will be former bullpen coach Dan Hubbs, with Javy Guerra being promoted from Double-A Midland to the A's bullpen coach. 

"Dan has relationships in that locker room. He has relationships with the whole bullpen," Kotsay said when asked about the expectations for Hubbs. "The opportunity is to go in, deep dive on some of the things that the players are looking for. The biggest thing for me is to simplify the information. 

"We all know, and it's no secret, that this ballpark is challenging to pitch in. We've got to identify how to pitch in it better. The biggest thing for me is to pitch away from hard contact, pitch away from damage. The scouting reports have to be simple, but to the point as to where we can go when we can't give up damage." 

Brent Rooker underwent successful left knee arthroscopic surgery today with Dr. Tim McAdams and Dr. Mike Freehill at Stanford Orthopedic Hospital in Redwood City, Calif. Dr. McAdams and Dr. Freehill debrided the articular cartilage tear and removed loose bodies from Rooker’s knee. He will be out for the remainder of the season and is expected to be ready for Spring Training 2027.

The full medical report for injured players will be released on Saturday, but right-hander Luis Severino, out since May 30 with a right shoulder strain, has undergone an MRI. The results of the MRI hadn't been read when Kotsay spoke to the media. 

Kurtz has shown some progress, but with the players just getting back from the All-Star break, he hadn't been assessed yet.

Denzel Clarke is doing baseball activity — hitting, running, and throwing — along with some outfield work. 

With the injuries to key players, Kotsay mentioned that this is now a time when young guys like Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, Henry Bolte, and Tommy White can integrate themselves into this group. 

Martín Gallegos of MLB.com also provided an update on Ryan Lasko: "He was transferred yesterday to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in his home state of New Jersey to continue his rehab. There has been no change in his condition, though this is a step in the right direction and Lasko is in good spirits."