BREAKING: Oakland Athletics rookie center fielder Denzel Clarke has been placed on the injured list due to a grade two adductor strain, confirmed by an MRI conducted in Texas on Monday. The announcement, made by manager Mark Kotsay, comes just before the A’s faced the Texas Rangers, leaving fans anxious about Clarke’s recovery timeline.
The injury was first noted during the A’s recent loss to the Cleveland Guardians, where Clarke exited the game with reported right hip discomfort. Kotsay stated that while no exact timeline for Clarke’s return has been established, it is likely to take a couple of weeks for him to recover fully.
Clarke, 25, has had a mixed rookie season, hitting .230 across 47 games. However, his performance had shown significant improvement recently, boasting an impressive .333 batting average over his last 12 games with six doubles, two triples, and a home run. Kotsay expressed disappointment over the timing of the injury, emphasizing that Clarke’s confidence was on the rise and his at-bats were improving.
“Really unfortunate timing for Denzel,” Kotsay said. “I think his confidence offensively was continuing to build, the at-bats were just getting better and better.”
With Clarke sidelined, Lawrence Butler stepped in as the starting center fielder for the series opener against the Rangers. Butler, who made 89 of his first 90 starts in right field, will now take on the center field role as the team adjusts to Clarke’s absence. Miguel Andujar is expected to take over in right field.
The Athletics face a challenging period ahead as they navigate Clarke’s injury. Fans and team officials alike are hopeful for a swift recovery, as Clarke’s recent form showed he could be a vital asset for the remainder of the season.
Stay tuned for updates on Clarke’s condition and any roster changes as the Athletics continue their campaign in the MLB.
