September 19, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Brandon Moss (37,left) is congratulated by catcher Stephen Vogt (21) for scoring on a RBI-double by right fielder Josh Reddick (16, not pictured) against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Today, the Oakland Athletics announced that two of their star players (who both spent time at first base this season) will require off-season surgery. Specifically, first baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss will undergo hip surgery, while first baseman/catcher Stephen Vogt will undergo surgery for a plantar plate tear. Both surgeries will take place this month.
"A’s say Brandon Moss will have hip surgery Oct. 21.Stephen Vogt to undergo right foot surgery Oct. 14-Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) October 8, 2014"
Joe Stiglich reported that “Moss, who played most of the year with cartilage damage in his right hip, will have surgery Oct. 21 in Nashville, to be performed by Dr. Thomas Byrd. Byrd also handled hip procedures for former A’s pitcher Justin Duchscherer a few years ago.”
Stiglich goes on to mention that a return date has not been announced for Moss until the surgeon has a greater understand of the extend of Moss’ injury and cartilage damage. This could mean that Moss would potentially miss some of spring training. Despite the injury, Moss had been playing through the pain, and his performance visibly suffered.
Vogt’s injury also impacted his ability to play, as Vogt was unable to catch for a major portion of the final months of the season. We do have better news regarding Vogt’s surgery and recovery, however. Stiglich reported: “Vogt is scheduled for surgery on his right foot Tuesday with Los Angeles-based specialist Dr. Kenneth Jung. He has a tear in the plantar plate, located on the ball of the foot.” While there is no expected return for Moss, Vogt is expected to be healthy in time to report for spring training in February.