The Oakland A’s have been hit hard by injuries this season. Several players that were expected to play key roles have been sidelines, some for the vast majority of the season. With the likes of Chad Pinder, A.J. Puk, Jesus Luzardo, and Mike Fiers on the shelf, not to mention others, the A’s depth has been sorely tested.
However, there is some news regarding several of those players. Based on reports, it is possible that those injured players will start returning by the end of the week.
Oakland A’s starting to get healthy once more
Pinder is expected to be the first player back. The expectation is that he will make three or four appearances on a rehab assignment in Triple-A, with an eye towards returning to the A’s in time for their series with the Twins at the end of the week. His return would give Oakland another possible option to slot in at short, removing Elvis Andrus‘ lack of production from the lineup.
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It is also hoped that Puk will start a rehab assignment of his own in the next few days. The talented, but injury plagued, pitcher lasted for just one outing this season before being placed on the Injured List with a left biceps strain. It remains to be seen how Oakland will use him going forward, but his longer outing in relief may have been partially to blame for that injury.
Meanwhile, there is little news when it comes to Luzardo. At this point, he is still considered week to week, although the A’s are hoping that he will return by the end of the month. Chances are, he will need to undergo a rehab assignment of his own, getting at least a couple of outings before returning the majors.
Nonetheless, these are positive signs for the A’s. Having that trio back will not only improve their depth in the lineup, but will also add more firepower to the pitching staff. As the A’s are already leading the AL West, adding these pieces back will only help in their quest for a second consecutive divisional crown.
The Oakland A’s have gotten some good news in regards to several of their injured players. With any luck, those pieces will be back by the end of May.