URGENT UPDATE: Oakland Athletics rookie center fielder Denzel Clarke is officially on the injured list after an MRI conducted on July 10, 2023, confirmed a grade two adductor strain. The news broke just hours before the team’s series opener against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.
A’s manager Mark Kotsay revealed that a roster move would be announced on Tuesday, as the team scrambled to fill Clarke’s spot amid the ongoing series. The 25-year-old Canadian was unable to recover in time for the match after experiencing discomfort in his right hip during the A’s previous game against Cleveland.
Kotsay expressed concern over the timing of Clarke’s injury, stating, “Really unfortunate timing for Denzel. I think his confidence offensively was continuing to build, the at-bats were just getting better and better.” Clarke had recently shown impressive form, hitting .333 with six doubles, two triples, and one home run in his last 12 games.
As Clarke heads to the IL, his .230 batting average over 47 big league games does not reflect his recent improvement at the plate. Kotsay did not provide a specific timeline for Clarke’s return, but indicated it could take a couple of weeks for him to recover fully.
In Clarke’s absence, Lawrence Butler will take over as the starting center fielder against the Rangers. Butler, who previously made 89 of his first 90 starts in right field, is expected to step into this new role during Clarke’s recovery. Meanwhile, Miguel Andujar has been positioned in right field.
Fans and teammates alike are feeling the impact of Clarke’s injury, especially given his recent surge in performance. As the team navigates this setback, they remain focused on maintaining their competitive edge in the ongoing series and seeking immediate replacements.
Stay tuned for updates on Clarke’s condition and the A’s roster changes as they develop. This injury adds a layer of complexity to the team’s strategy as they aim to bounce back in the remaining games of the season.