After a breakout 2023 campaign in which he hit 30 homers and was the Athletics¡¯ only All-Star, DH/outfielder Brent Rooker's 2024 season is off to a rougher start. He started the season 6-for-30 (.200) with 16 strikeouts before having to leave Oakland¡¯s game in Detroit on April 7 with abdominal soreness.

On Thursday, Rooker was placed on the 10-day injured list with a costochondral (rib) cartilage injury. Rooker sustained the injury Sunday on a checked swing, and was removed from the game after the fourth inning.

He could return as soon as April 18, but his absence leaves a hole in Oakland¡¯s lineup from a slugging standpoint. Last season, Rooker batted .246 with 30 home runs, 69 RBIs and an .817 OPS in 137 games.

Overall, Rooker was the Athletics¡¯ most productive offensive player last season. He led the A¡¯s in homers, RBIs, OPS, plate appearances (526) and slugging percentage (.488).