Brady Basso is close to a big‑league return for Oakland after a shoulder strain kept him out through Spring Training and most of 2025. Reinstated from the 60‑day IL and optioned to Triple‑A for ramp‑up, he’s already logged two rehab outings with the Aviators, issuing just one hit while staying healthy. The A’s plan to ease him back, with a potential bullpen role or a few spot starts if he’s built up, could pay dividends for their long‑term rotation projections.

Austin Wynns’ season is officially over after abdominal strain, opening a door for Basso and for Willie MacIver to handle rest‑of‑year catching duties behind Langeliers. Wynns came aboard in a midseason deal from Cincinnati and started hot, but the bat cooled, leaving the A’s with questions at catcher next year depending on MacIver’s final weeks and Langeliers’ development.

Langeliers remains the anchor behind the plate, while the organization weighs its options as the season winds down. The A’s face the Rays tonight, hoping a steadying performance from their young arms and a controlled return for Basso can steady the ship as they continue their rebuild.

In total, Oakland’s plan centers on patient, incremental steps for its top prospects, with Basso’s return, Wynns’ injury absence, and MacIver’s continued development shaping the late‑season outlook and next year’s catching depth.