All-Star Jacob Wilson Out With Shoulder Subluxation, Athletics Turn to Darell Hernaiz at Short

The Athletics are down their star shortstop. Jacob Wilson, the 24-year-old All-Star, landed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a left shoulder subluxation he suffered diving for a ball Sunday against Baltimore. The injury was confirmed by MRI on Monday, and the move is retroactive to that date. No surgery needed, but there's no timeline for his return either.

How Wilson Got Hurt and What It Means

Wilson went down making a defensive play on Gunner Henderson's single in the Orioles series. One awkward dive, one shoulder subluxation, and suddenly Oakland's infield looks a lot thinner heading into their matchup against St. Louis. The timing is rough too. Wilson had been absolutely raking lately, hitting .336 with an .826 OPS over his last 27 games after a brutal .196 start to the season. He's now sitting at .292 with three homers and 19 RBIs for the year. In his third major league season, the 2023 No. 6 overall pick is a .299 career hitter with 16 homers and 85 RBIs in 192 games.

Next Man Up: How Oakland Plugs the Hole

Darell Hernaiz gets the call at short, just like he did last year when Wilson dealt with a fractured left forearm. The Athletics also brought up outfielder Henry Bolte, their No. 5 prospect, and infielder Michael Stefanic from Triple-A Las Vegas. Stefanic could see time at second and third base. He hit .250 in 34 games with a .706 OPS in the minors but has limited big league experience, posting a .227 average with 14 RBIs in 99 games across stints with the Angels and Blue Jays.

Oakland will lean on Hernaiz to hold down the fort at short while Wilson works through his rehab program. It's not ideal, but it's the hand they've been dealt. The real question is when, not if, Wilson gets back on the field.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.