The Athletics will be without one of their top sluggers for the foreseeable future.
Brent Rooker was placed on the 10-day injured list shortly before the A’s game against the Mets at Citi Field on Friday, with an MRI revealing a right oblique strain for the designated hitter.
Rooker, 31, suffered the injury while fouling off a pitch in the first inning of the Athletics’ 1-0 win over the Yankees on Thursday.
Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics at bat before exiting to the dugout with an apparent injury in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 09, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images Despite being placed on the 10-day IL, oblique injuries typically have a recovery time of four to six weeks, and A’s skipper Mark Kotsay said that there is not a timetable for Rooker’s return.
“I wouldn’t want to comment on the severity,” Kotsay told reporters, according to MLB.com. “It’s a right oblique strain. There’s no timetable for it. … We’re hopeful that Rook can get back as soon as possible.”
Rooker’s injury comes as a large blow for a young Athletics squad, with Friday’s game being the first he has missed since Aug. 15, 2024.
The two-time All-Star appeared in all 162 games last season, being the first A’s player to do so since Marcus Semien in 2019.
Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) hits a run scoring sacrifice fly in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images “That’s the first thing I thought about,” Kotsay added. “I know Rook prides himself on playing every day. It’s unfortunate to have this type of injury this early in the season.
“We’re hopeful that we can take care of this and put it behind him. But it was definitely different making out a lineup without his name in it today.”
Rooker was a staple in the Athletics’ lineup last season, posting a slash line of .262/.335/.479 with 40 doubles and 30 home runs.
In Rooker’s place, the A’s recalled second baseman Zach Gelof from Triple-A Las Vegas, who originally made his debut with the club back in 2023.
Gelof has battled injuries in the two seasons following, but has had a hot start in Triple-A this year, boasting a .366 batting average with four home runs, three doubles, and 10 RBIs.
“What stands out to me is the walks,” Kotsay said of Gelof. “It’s the walk rate and the on-base [percentage]. He’s still driving the baseball, though.
“He’s earned this promotion. … We’re hopeful that translates here now as it has at Triple-A to start the season.”
