Athletics' Joshua Kuroda-Grauer: Placed on injured list
Rotowire
The Athletics placed Kuroda-Grauer on the 10-day injured list Tuesday following surgery for a ruptured testicle.
The A's haven't provided a timeline for Kuroda-Grauer's return, though he will likely remain on the shelf beyond the 10-day minimum. Max Muncy will come up from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move and could see time at third base while Kuroda-Grauer is out.
Kuroda-Grauer was diagnosed with a testicular contusion after exiting Monday's 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.
The rookie went 2-for-3 with a base hit and a solo home run -- the first of his career -- before exiting the game prior to the bottom of the sixth inning with the injury. The Athletics haven't provided word on the severity of the injury, but he can be considered day-to-day heading into Tuesday's contest.
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Athletics' Joshua Kuroda-Grauer: Departs early Monday
Rotowire
Kuroda-Grauer left Monday's game against the Diamondbacks due to an undisclosed injury, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.
Kuroda-Grauer appeared to be in some discomfort after fouling a ball off himself earlier in the game, and he was later removed in the bottom of the sixth inning. He can be considered day-to-day until the team has an update on the nature and severity of his injury.
Kuroda-Grauer will start at shortstop and bat fifth in Sunday's game against the Marlins.
Kuroda-Grauer will stick in the starting nine for a sixth straight game since receiving a promotion from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, this time covering shortstop after making his previous three starts at third base and the two before that at the keystone. With Zack Gelof (hand) coming back from the injured list Saturday and potentially settling in as the Athletics' primary option at the hot corner, shortstop could represent Kuroda-Grauer's clearest path to playing time until Jacob Wilson (thumb) is ready to be activated. The Athletics will send Alika Williams to the bench to open up shortstop for Kuroda-Grauer, who has gotten off to a hot start to his big-league career by going 8-for-18 with two doubles, three runs and one RBI.
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Athletics' Joshua Kuroda-Grauer: Three hits in debut
Rotowire
Kuroda-Grauer went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI and one run scored in Monday's 9-4 loss to the Dodgers.
Kuroda-Grauer got the start at second base in his big-league debut, and he delivered one of the Athletics' best performances in the game. The infielder should at least get steady playing time against left-handed pitchers -- he should fill a platoon role at second base alongside Jeff McNeil at a minimum. Kuroda-Grauer could also push fellow right-handed hitters Alika Williams and Darell Hernaiz for time at shortstop until Jacob Wilson (thumb) returns. If Kuroda-Grauer can claim a decent share of playing time, there's fantasy upside to be had with his speed.
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Athletics' Joshua Kuroda-Grauer: Added to roster ahead of debut
Rotowire
The Athletics selected Kuroda-Grauer's contract from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.
In 75 games this season between Double-A Midland and Las Vegas, Kuroda-Grauer has slashed .323/.367/.478 with seven home runs, 15 stolen bases and a 21:29 BB:K. The 23-year-old has mostly played shortstop and second base, but he also has experience at third base and has played a bit in the outfield, as well. Kuroda-Grauer will start at second base and bat ninth Monday versus the Dodgers in his major-league debut.
