Wilson takes swings in next step toward return from IL

WEST SACRAMENTO -- Jacob Wilson is one step closer to a return to the Athletics.

The A’s shortstop -- on the injured list since May 12 with a left shoulder subluxation -- began a hitting progression Monday, taking swings off a tee before the club’s series opener against the Mariners at Sutter Health Park.

Wilson, the American League’s starting shortstop in the 2025 All-Star Game, has been playing catch and is expected to begin fielding ground balls this week, according to the A’s. Manager Mark Kotsay said Wilson’s hitting session Monday went well and is a good sign when it comes to the shortstop’s recovery.

“Jacob, from the time we diagnosed the injury, has made a good amount of progress,” Kotsay said.

The A’s skipper declined to name a timeline for Wilson’s return, which could still be a ways out. Wilson, who sustained the injury May 10 in Baltimore, will need plenty of batting and fielding work, plus a likely rehab assignment.

The sixth overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Wilson reached the Major Leagues in 2024 but sustained a left hamstring strain running the bases in his MLB debut. He missed a month in 2025 with a left forearm fracture stemming from a hit-by-pitch but finished the year batting .311 with 13 home runs and an .800 OPS.

In 2026, Wilson had a .292/.311/.398 slash line in 39 games before landing on the injured list. Among A’s position players, third baseman Max Muncy (fifth metacarpal fracture in left hand) and outfielder Denzel Clarke (left hamstring strain) are also in the midst of lengthy IL stints, although Muncy is also getting closer to a return. On Monday in West Sacramento, Muncy took batting practice and performed infield drills.