A’s Slugger Brent Rooker Lands on Injured List
The Athletics will be missing their leading hitter for a while.
Just before Friday’s game against the Mets at Citi Field, designated hitter Brent Rooker was placed on the 10-day injured list after an MRI indicated he has a right oblique strain.
The 31-year-old sustained the injury while fouling off a pitch in the first inning during the Athletics’ narrow 1-0 victory against the Yankees on Thursday.
Even though he’s on the injured list for 10 days, recovering from an oblique strain usually takes about four to six weeks. A’s captain Mark Kossais mentioned that there isn’t a clear timeline for Rooker’s return.
“I’d prefer not to speculate on the severity,” Coetzee told the media. “It’s the right oblique, and we don’t have a timeline. … We hope Luke can be back as soon as possible.”
This injury is a significant setback for a relatively young Athletics team. Rooker’s absence will mark his first game missed since August 15, 2024.
The two-time All-Star was active in all 162 games last season, a feat not accomplished by an A’s player since Marcus Semien in 2019.
“That was the first thing that came to mind,” Coetzee acknowledged. “I know Luke takes pride in being available every day. It’s really unfortunate to deal with this kind of injury so early.”
“We’re hopeful we can resolve this matter quickly, but it certainly felt different to draft a lineup without him,” he added.
Last season, Rooker had a solid performance, posting a slash line of .262/.335/.479, along with 40 doubles and 30 home runs.
In Rooker’s absence, the Athletics have called up second baseman Zach Geroff from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he made his debut with the club in 2023.
Gelov has struggled with injuries the past two seasons. However, he started this year strong at Triple-A, hitting .366 with four home runs, three doubles, and 10 RBIs.
“What stands out is his walk rate,” Kotzei noted regarding Gelov. “His on-base percentage is impressive. He’s still a leader in baseball.”
“He’s earned this opportunity. … We hope he finds success here, just as he has in Triple-A at the start of this season.”
