It is easy to forget about Ramon Laureano. He had been suspended for PED usage on August 6, an 80 game ban that will extend into next year. Meanwhile, the Oakland A’s underwent a miserable stretch that saw them drop out of the Wild Card, leading to their being eliminated from postseason contention.
But Laureano is back in the news again. This time, it is because he underwent surgery to repair an injury to his core suffered while he was working out.
Ramón Laureano Medical Update: pic.twitter.com/u4oghXFvBw
— Oakland A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) October 1, 2021
Ramon Laureano should be ready for spring training
Right now, the expectation is that he will be ready for spring training. However, as he will still have over 20 games left in his suspension when the regular season begins, it may not appear to be overly problematic if he takes a little longer to recover.
Nonetheless, the A’s are going to need Laureano as soon as possible in the 2022 season. He had produced a .246/.317/.443 batting line in his 378 plate appearances, hitting 14 homers and 21 doubles while stealing 12 bases. He provided his usual excellent defense, saving eight runs in center before shifting to right when Starling Marte was brought in.
He will be even more important next season. Both Marte and Mark Canha are slated to reach free agency, leaving two gaping holes in the A’s outfield. With Laureano also out for the first few weeks, the A’s outfield may be completely different.
This makes his recovery from this surgery all the more important. The A’s will need Laureano to be healthy and ready to go once his suspension ends. With the potential turnover, and what may be a tumultuous offseason, any possible setbacks could make a major difference.
Ramon Laureano underwent surgery on an injury to his core. While the Oakland A’s expect him back for spring training, it will be worth watching.