White Cleat Beat
Fansided

Oakland A’s injury woes happening at worst possible time

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 22: Stephen Piscotty #25 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum on August 22, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 4-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 22: Stephen Piscotty #25 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum on August 22, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 4-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Oakland A’s had managed to get through most of the regular season with significant injuries, but that has changed in recent weeks.

While other teams had been getting hit with the injury bug, the Oakland A’s had remained relatively healthy at the start of the year. A.J. Puk had been injured in summer camp, and Jesus Luzardo tested positive for COVID-19, but both were minor issues. Indeed, Luzardo was back in time for Opening Day.

But now, the injuries are coming. First, Marcus Semien was sidelined, although his injury was minor and he was able to return. Then Matt Chapman went down with a torn hip labrum and is lost for the year. Puk needs shoulder surgery, his season unable to get off the ground. Chad Pinder has been lost to the Injured List with a strained hamstring but may be able to return in time for the postseason.

On Tuesday, the A’s lost Stephen Piscotty to injury. His knee popped when he jumped to attempt to rob a home run, with the A’s outfielder suffering a sprained knee during Game One of the doubleheader on Monday.

More from White Cleat Beat

Piscotty had been one of the A’s better hitters through August before entering a rough stretch in September. He had just five singles in 27 plate appearances in September, striking out eight times. His impressive batting line had fallen to .248/.289/.406 on the year, with five home runs and six doubles.

With Piscotty on the shelf, it is expected that Mark Canha will get more playing time in right. That could actually be a boon to the A’s offense, as Canha has produced a .247/.388/.409 batting line, hitting four homers and nine doubles. He also leads the league with being hit by a pitch ten times.

However, this is a hit to the A’s depth. Canha had functioned as their fourth outfielder while seeing time at first. In theory, this would push Tony Kemp into more of a utility role, but he is still needed at second base. Perhaps this is when a player such as Seth Brown can get a chance to shine.

Next. Loss of Chad Pinder underrated blow to A's. dark

The Oakland A’s had a great run of health, but that is over. Stephen Piscotty is the latest player to fall victim to the injury bug.