Elephant Rumblings: Wilson dodges arm injury

MLB news roundup

Morning AN!

Shortstop Jacob Wilson got plunked on the left arm a couple of days ago, eventually getting removed form the game via pinch-hitter Max Schuemann. There was immediate worry that the team’s best and most consistent player may have sustained a serious injury even after playing a couple of innings in the field after the initial plunking form Angels starter Kyle Hendricks:

Wilson thankfully seems to be okay after that scare as A’s beat writer Martin Gallegos reported that the young infielder would actually be available off the bench if needed tonight:

Wilson has been absolutely necessary to any Athletics success this season. The rookie shortstop has an incredible slash line of .340/.381/.478 with five home runs in his first April and May as a major league player. The 23-year-old is seemingly on his way to becoming a major cornerstone of the A’s future. For now the club should be careful with their prized young shortstop, who is currently a Vegas favorite to win AL ROTY honors. Also encouraging is the fact that Wilson was itching to get back. So much so that manager Mark Kotsay was ready to use him off the bench in last night’s contest.

That ultimately didn’t happen as the club got beat handily for the third time in three days from the Angels. Wilson could have a chance to return in the finale this afternoon but the club may want to just rest him one final day before a critical weekend series against the first-place Phillies. Should the A’s really push their prized shortstop as they sit last in the AL West? This writer doesn’t think so. Let’s hope to see him in the starting lineup tonight.

Have a great day everyone.

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics fall again to the Angels, 10-5
• 24 Games In: The Somewhat Puzzling Nick Kurtz
• Jacob Wilson leaves game after HBP, but x-rays clean
• Why The Denzel Clarke Era Needs To Start Now
• Five intriguing prospects from the AL West, 1 from each team
• Clark County agrees to $3.7M bond if A’s stadium can’t be completed
• At the Oakland Ballers’ opener, the A’s are a distant memory
• Oakland Ballers’ opening night was a hit. Can they be a financial winner this year?

MLB News & Interest:

• Giants place Justin Verlander on IL with pectoral discomfort
• Mariners starter George Kirby to make season debut Thursday
• Nationals call up top prospect Robert Hassell III, place Dylan Crews on IL
• Pirates young starter Jared Jones to undergo elbow surgery, out for season
• Atlanta Braves Getting the Most Out of Former A’s shortstop
• Hicks ‘not giving up’ after demotion to Giants’ bullpen
• Police charge friend for role in Pirates fan’s fall
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Looks like we know who will be taking the ball for the club on Saturday evening against the Phillies:

Farm update: