Ahead of the Athletics’ matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night, the team made a sudden roster move involving its No. 8 prospect, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer.
Kuroda-Grauer, 23, underwent emergency surgery to address a ruptured testicle, according to MLB.com. The third baseman suffered the injury in the fifth inning of Monday’s win over the Diamondbacks.
“Kuroda-Grauer was injured last night after fouling off a pitch in the fifth inning,” the source added. “He underwent emergency surgery to repair a ruptured testicle last night at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix and is resting comfortably.”
He was replaced by third baseman Donovan Walton.
In a corresponding move, the A’s recalled right-handed pitcher Hayden Juenger and infielder Max Muncy from Triple-A Las Vegas, MLB.com added.
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer’s Impressive Start to MLB Career
The Athletics’ No. 8 prospect, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, was off to an impressive start to his career since being called up on June 29. Through 16 games, the 23-year-old is hitting .417/.435/.583 with eight multi-hit games. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Before suffering the tragic injury, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer was off to an electric start to his career.
He was called up to make his MLB debut by the A’s on June 29. In his first game, the 23-year-old tallied a three-hit, one RBI game in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
This momentum continued. Through his first 16 games, Kuroda-Grauer has just one hitless contest. This came in a June 30 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The No. 8 prospect on the Athletics’ prospect list has eight multi-hit games. So far on the season, he’s hit .417/.435/.583 with one home run and four RBI in the majors.
His first season in the big leagues will be put on hold while he recovers from the emergency surgery.
For Tuesday’s matchup against the Diamondbacks, the Athletics will start Tommy White at third base in place of Kuroda-Grauer.
A’s Place Mark Leiter Jr. on 15-Day IL
GettyThe Athletics also placed relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. on the injured list retroactive to July 19. The right-handed pitcher suffered a second left hip impingement of the season. Through 36 appearances, Leiter Jr. carries a 0-1 record, 4.28 ERA, and 1.31 WHIP. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Before Tuesday’s matchup against Arizona, the Athletics also placed relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. on the injured list retroactive to July 19.
Leiter Jr., 35, suffered a right hip impingement for the second time this season. The first time the right-handed pitcher suffered the setback, he was placed on the IL on June 17.
The veteran pitcher returned on July 3 and appeared in four contests, pitching 4.0 scoreless innings before suffering the second hip injury. Leiter Jr. hadn’t allowed a run in 17 of his last 18 appearances.
He is now on the 15-day injured list and will be able to rejoin the A’s on Aug. 3.
On the season, Mark Leiter Jr. carries a 0-1 record, 4.28 ERA, and a 1.31 WHIP through 33.2 innings pitched.
The Athletics, who are 43-57, are looking to make a push into the postseason race. It is currently 7.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners for the AL West lead.
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