The Athletics received a major blow to their lineup before their series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Athletics placed both shortstop Jacob Wilson and the versatile Tyler Soderstrom on the 10-day injured list. Wilson is dealing with right thumb inflammation, while Soderstrom has a left hip impingement.
As corresponding moves, the team recalled its No. 9 prospect, Josh Kuroda-Grauer, and infielder Darrel Hernaiz. The Athletics also placed pitcher Jose Suarez on the paternity list and recalled pitching prospect Kade Morris. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club designated Michael Kelly for assignment.
This marks Wilson's second trip to the injured list this season. The 24-year-old missed nearly a month after suffering a left shoulder subluxation on May 11. Now, just 11 games after returning, the shortstop will miss more time.
There was immediate concern for Soderstrom after he exited Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels following his first at-bat. The Athletics kept the left-handed slugger out of Sunday's lineup while evaluating the injury. Now, he'll miss time with the hip issue.
Losing both players on the same day is a major blow for any team, especially one that relies so heavily on its offense. The Athletics rank among the American League's top five in home runs, runs scored, batting average and on-base percentage. Meanwhile, the club owns the league's worst ERA at 4.96.
While the injury news is discouraging, it also gives the Athletics their first look at Kuroda-Grauer in the majors. The club selected the Rutgers product in the third-round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He hasn't shown much power in the minors, but he's consistently displayed an advanced hit tool. At Triple-A Las Vegas, Kuroda-Grauer hit .323/.367/.478 with seven home runs, an .845 OPS and 15 stolen bases. With Wilson sidelined, he'll likely receive most of the starts at shortstop.
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The Athletics play in baseball's most competitive division, even if no team is above .500. The Texas Rangers lead the AL West at 42-42, while the Athletics sit in fourth place just two games back. They also trail the final AL Wild Card spot by only 1.5 games.
Manager Mark Kotsay will have to find ways to keep his club afloat while Wilson and Soderstrom recover. That places even more pressure on Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to carry the offense.
