Wilson returns to A's lineup; Rooker (knee) lands on IL

LAS VEGAS -- A surging Athletics offense has received an extra jolt with the return of its spark plug.

Jacob Wilson returned from the injured list and was back in the A’s starting lineup for Friday’s series opener against the Rockies at Las Vegas Ballpark. His return from a monthlong IL stint due to a left shoulder subluxation is a welcome sight for a squad that was 21-19 at the time of his injury and went 12-16 in the 28 games he missed.

As much of an impact as Wilson, who was batting .292 with a .709 OPS, brings with his bat, the shortstop’s glove is just as important for a defense that has struggled in his absence. The A’s entered Friday having committed 20 errors in the 28 games since Wilson went on the IL, after making just eight errors over the first 40 games of the season.

“We’re excited to have him,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “We know he’s been a big part of the success of this group.”

Wilson returned eager to join in on what has been a remarkable display of power by the A’s during this Las Vegas Series. Over a three-game series against the Brewers which ended on Wednesday, the A’s tied the franchise record for most home runs over a three-game stretch with 15.

“I’ve been watching the last few games,” Wilson said. “We know the damage that hitters can cause here. I’m excited to be part of it.”

Rooker hits IL

There was a downside to Wilson’s return. As a corresponding move, Brent Rooker, who had missed the previous two games due to lingering knee soreness, was placed on the 10-day injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee.

This will be Rooker’s second IL stint this season. He was also out April 10-25 with a strained right oblique. Hitting .200 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs in 48 games this season while battling injuries, the All-Star slugger will be eligible to return June 19.

“The knee just wasn’t improving,” Kotsay said. “It wasn’t staying stable. It was getting worse. From that standpoint, we made the decision to IL him. He did have a cortisone injection into the knee, which should hopefully help the healing process. The outlook right now is there’s a chance we get him back [within] the 10 days, but we’re going to make sure this thing is healed before we make the decision to put him back out there.”

With Rooker out, the A’s will likely cycle a few different players through the designated hitter spot. Jonah Heim got the start there on Friday. Players such as Shea Langeliers, Max Muncy, Carlos Cortes and Lawrence Butler could see time there depending on matchups and which players could use a break from the field.