Athletics rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer underwent emergency surgery after suffering a serious injury from a foul ball during Monday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The 23-year-old was in the middle of an impressive start to his major league career when the incident occurred in the fifth inning of the July 20 contest. Earlier in the second inning, Kuroda-Grauer had launched a 416-foot solo home run off pitcher Mitch Bratt that left the bat at 102.9 mph, marking his first long ball in the big leagues.
That early success gave way to a painful turn later in the game. Kuroda-Grauer fouled a pitch directly into his groin area and immediately dropped to the ground in visible agony. What he did not realize at the moment was that the impact had caused a ruptured testicle.
Team trainers examined him on the field, yet Kuroda-Grauer stayed in the contest. Just three pitches afterward he managed to line a base hit. He also took his position at third base in the bottom half of the inning, though it was clear he was laboring.
Athletics personnel eventually removed him during the sixth inning. Instead of joining teammates in celebrating a 5-2 victory over the Diamondbacks, Kuroda-Grauer was transported to a Phoenix hospital for additional tests. An ultrasound later revealed the full extent of the damage, contradicting the club’s initial assessment of a testicular contusion.
Surgery took place successfully the following night at a local medical facility. The Athletics placed him on the 10-day injured list the next day, with no firm timetable announced for his return. Reports indicated he could remain sidelined at least until Aug. 21, longer than the minimum stay required by the injured list designation.
In a corresponding roster move, the club called up Max Muncy from Triple-A Las Vegas. Prior to the injury, Kuroda-Grauer had posted a .417 batting average across his first 16 major league games, providing an immediate spark for the lineup.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay spoke with MLB.com after the situation stabilized and described the young player’s demeanor.
“His personality is amazing. He’s such a great kid. Unfortunate to have to lose him with the way he was performing and just the way he was integrated into this group. He fit right in,” Kotsay said.
Kotsay also noted that Kuroda-Grauer remained upbeat and was even joking about the ordeal while recovering. Teammate Jeffrey Springs called him “a great spark plug” who gives maximum effort daily. Prospect Tommy White, reflecting on the home run, said witnessing it “was the light of my world.”
The manager drew a parallel to a comparable injury suffered by Adrian Beltre while with the Seattle Mariners in 2009. Beltre missed roughly five and a half weeks, offering a possible benchmark for Kuroda-Grauer’s recovery path.
“Bad timing for an injury. But we’re thankful the surgery went well, and he’s recovering well. … We’re thankful that he’s going to be fine and that it doesn’t impact his life,” Kotsay added.
Kuroda-Grauer remained at St. Joseph’s Hospital until Wednesday before plans called for him to return to West Sacramento to continue recuperating. The episode has renewed discussion about protective equipment in baseball. Major League Baseball does not require position players to wear cups, leaving the choice to individuals.
Critics pointed out that Kuroda-Grauer was not wearing one at the time of the foul ball.
The Athletics continue their season without the promising rookie who had quickly become a valued part of the clubhouse and on-field product.
