UPDATE: Athletics reliever José Leclerc has undergone successful surgery on his right shoulder, according to a statement from the team. The procedure, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, marks a critical step in Leclerc’s recovery journey after he was shut down for the season on July 25, 2023.
Leclerc, who has been on the injured list since April 23, will remain in Dallas to begin his rehabilitation process. The situation is particularly impactful for the Athletics, as Leclerc was expected to play a significant role in their bullpen this season.
At 31 years old, Leclerc signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Athletics in January, but his performance was hampered by injuries. In just 10 appearances this season, he posted a 6.00 ERA with eight strikeouts over nine innings. The team will be closely monitoring his recovery, as they look to rebound in the coming seasons.
Leclerc’s career record stands at 12-21 with 41 saves and a 3.34 ERA over 369 1/3 innings across 360 games. He began his Major League Baseball career with the Texas Rangers in 2016 and played with them through the 2024 season.
The Athletics are hopeful that Leclerc’s rehabilitation will pave the way for a strong return, but fans will need to stay tuned for updates on his progress. As the team navigates this injury setback, the focus remains on building a competitive roster for the future.
For now, the surgery marks a crucial moment in Leclerc’s career, and his recovery will be vital for the Athletics’ pitching depth moving forward. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this situation develops.
