From Newsweek · Aaron Coloma · · 1m 20s
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer is back after surgery
The Athletics rookie is restarting in Triple-A after a frightening injury cut short a hot MLB debut.
In brief
The Athletics rookie is restarting in Triple-A after a frightening injury cut short a hot MLB debut. Kuroda-Grauer’s bat and defensive flexibility give him a real path to an A’s starting job in 2027, especially at third base. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Back in action
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, less than two months after surgery for a ruptured testicle.
“will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday”
A brutal foul ball
The injury happened just after the All-Star break against Arizona, when Kuroda-Grauer fouled a pitch into a sensitive area and collapsed in the box.
“He crumbled to the ground in a heap afterwards”
He still got a hit
After getting up, he finished the at-bat with a single and even played a half inning in the field before leaving for treatment.
“logging a single”
Las Vegas, then 2027
The A’s plan to keep him in Triple-A for the rest of the regular season, with hopes he is fully ready for the start of 2027.
“hope he will be 100% ready to go come the beginning of the 2027 season”
His bat forced attention
Before the injury, the 2024 third-round pick hit .417 in 60 MLB at-bats. His 1.019 OPS was the best mark on the A’s roster.
“His 1.019 OPS leads all A's players on the season.”
Third base is open
First, shortstop and second base look crowded, but third base is less settled. A strong Triple-A finish and spring could put Kuroda-Grauer in the lineup.
“he will almost definitely find himself among the A's starters”
The short version
Kuroda-Grauer’s bat and defensive flexibility give him a real path to an A’s starting job in 2027, especially at third base.
