The Athletics are 41-46 going into their three-game series against the Miami Marlins. Despite their losing record, though, they still have eyes on a potential postseason spot. Over halfway into the season, they are just three games back from the lead in the American League West and a wild card spot.
Unfortunately, though, while chasing postseason hopes, the Athletics suffered a major injury blow. On Wednesday, MLB.com's Martin Gallegos reported that two-time All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker is undergoing season-ending surgery to address a knee injury.
He was added to the 10-day injured list on June 12, but there was hope he'd return later in the year. However, any chance of that has now been shut down.
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With Rooker now done for the season, the Athletics must continue knowing they will be without one of their top hitters until 2027.
With the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching, the timing of the news raises even more questions about whether the team will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. MLB Network's Jon Morosi believes it likely makes the Athletics sellers.
“Unfortunately for the A’s, it’s a nudge in the direction of selling,” Morosi said. “They’re not there yet because that division in the West is still very much up for grabs, but this news yesterday felt like a real push in that direction to sell instead of buy. Especially when you consider how important Rooker’s bat is to the A’s lineup.”
The analyst continued to name right fielder Carlos Cortes and catcher Jonah Heim as potential trade candidates for the Athletics. The coming weeks will likely decide what general manager David Forst feels is best for the team.
