Stephen Piscotty continuing to battle shoulder issues
By David Hill
The 2022 season is going to be an important one for Oakland A’s outfielder Stephen Piscotty. He is in the final year of his guaranteed contract, and while his $15 million team option for 2023 is not going to be picked up, a strong showing this year could set him up for a major league opportunity next season.
The problem is that Piscotty has to be healthy first. His 2021 campaign was derailed due to wrist issues that eventually required surgery. While his wrist is healed at this point, Piscotty is now dealing with a troublesome shoulder.
Stephen Piscotty continuing to deal with injury woes
Piscotty had initially headed to see Dr. Neal ElAttrache about his shoulder, something that is typically not a good sign. Fortunately, Piscotty was referred to a nerve specialist and received a cortisone shot in his shoulder. The hope is that he will return to baseball activities by the weekend.
At this point, the A’s would take any positive news with Piscotty. He is expected to be a key part of the lineup by default due to the defections from their roster. If that is going to happen, the A’s will need him to improve on his .220/.282/.353 batting line with five homers and eight doubles that he produced last year.
That can only happen if he is healthy. His wrist injury can explain his extremely disappointing performance last year, which had given hope that he could return to form in 2022. Although it is his non-throwing shoulder that is bothering him, it is his lead hitting arm, which would affect his swing until it also heals.
dark. Next. A's focusing on trading Manaea
Want your voice heard? Join the White Cleat Beat team!
Stephen Piscotty is continuing to battle shoulder issues during spring training. The Oakland A’s are hoping that he will be healthy soon.