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).