A’s still waiting on key pieces to return as slide continues

As the Athletics continue to slide in the standings, the club is still waiting for several key contributors to return from the injured list.

The A’s have dropped eight of their last nine games, falling nearly 10 games below the .500 mark. They now sit five games behind both the American League West-leading team and the third and final American League Wild Card spot, making positive injury news increasingly important as the second half of the season approaches.

Here’s where things stand for the Athletics as we near the All-Star break.

UPDATE: July 8th | 11:36 am PT

The Athletics have activated left fielder Tyler Soderstrom off the 10-day injured list.

Soderstrom had been out of action since June 27th. The A’s optioned infielder Max Muncy to make room for Soderstrom on the active roster.

The Athletics reinstated outfielder Tyler Soderstrom from the 10-day injured list and optioned infielder Max Muncy to Triple-A Las Vegas

— A’s Communications (@AthleticsPR) July 8, 2026

Athletics Injury Updates: July 8, 2026

Outfielder Denzel Clarke continues his rehabilitation assignment in Sacramento after suffering a left hamstring strain. Clarke remains on the 60-day injured list but is progressing through running, throwing and swinging drills as he works his way back toward game action.

Right-hander Gunnar Hoglund remains out for the remainder of the 2026 season after undergoing successful surgery on his left hip on May 19 in Vail, Colorado. Hoglund was diagnosed with a lumbar strain and left hip impingement before the procedure ended his season.

Reliever Brooks Kriske continues his throwing progression while recovering from a right shoulder impingement. Kriske’s injury was diagnosed as a posterior capsule sprain with internal impingement, and the Athletics have not announced a timetable for his return.

The most significant update involves designated hitter Brent Rooker, who is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday, July 17. Surgery will address a cartilage tear in Rooker’s left knee and will keep him out for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Starting pitcher Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics reacts after pitching in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 10, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Starting pitcher Luis Severino remains in Sacramento as he rehabs a right shoulder strain. An MRI previously revealed damage to both the shoulder capsule and subscapularis muscle, and Severino received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on June 4. He continues progressing through his rehabilitation program, though the club has not provided a target date for his return.

With the Athletics struggling to gain ground in both the division and Wild Card race, the health of players like Clarke, Severino and Soderstrom could play a significant role in whether the club can mount a second-half turnaround.

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• Derrek Lee is confident Sacramento can support an MLB Expansion team

Upcoming Athletics 2026 Schedule

• Tuesday, July 7th – Thursday, July 9th – @ Detroit Tigers
• Friday, July 10th – Sunday, July 12th – @ Chicago White Sox
• Monday, July 13th – Home Run Derby (Philadelphia)
• Tuesday, July 14th – MLB All-Star Game (Philadelphia)

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