Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!
Center fielder Denzel Clarke began a rehab assignment last Friday that was quickly derailed by a re-aggravation of a right adductor strain that landed him on the injured list effective July 21st.
This is unwelcome news, indeed. Lawrence Butler is holding up admirably as the A’s temporary center fielder, but neither Law nor anyone else can hold a candle to Clarke’s incredible defensive ability. Denzel had already established himself as a legitimate gold glove candidate despite having made his MLB debut nearly two months into the 2025 season.
Clarke won three consecutive Play of the Week awards in June, the third of which might necessitate the creation of a Play of the Century honor—you have no doubt seen it, but it’s always a pleasure to revisit:
Clarke has been less impressive offensively so far, slashing .230/.274/.372 with a 75 RC+ through 159 plate appearances. But he was trending up quickly in July with a slash line of .298/.340/.574 for the month before he was sidelined by injury. He also hit the third longest home run of the season on the Fourth of July.
The A’s say there is currently no timetable for Clarke’s return, so they may be without their most electric athlete for the duration of the season. Hopefully we’ll get to see him play a full season, continue to develop at the plate, and earn some gold—and maybe even platinum—hardware in 2026.
A’s Coverage:
- Athletics Beat Twins 6-3
- One A’s Rookie Nearing Return, Another Suffers Setback
- Will Player of the Week Honors Earn Zack Gelof a Return to A’s Roster?
- Kansas City Royals DFA Former A’s Outfielder
- Latest Athletics injuries and transactions
MLB News & Interest:
- Víctor Robles Given 10-Game Suspension For Bat-Throwing Incident
- Skubal becomes 1st to 200 K’s in ’25, strengthening AL CY case
- Matt Olson passes Pete Rose on consecutive games played list
- Paul Blackburn Clears Release Waivers
- Juan Soto’s Defense Is Quickly Declining
- 10 farm systems with the best infield prospects
- Notes On More Pitching Rehabbers
- Anthony Bender Sustains Season-Ending Leg Injury
- Angels Outright Connor Brogdon
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
Roster moves.
Mighty Shea owns the second half.
The REAL Nicky Knocks.
J Willy dings it on out.
How we might be watching baseball next year.
The A’s picked up a little catching depth.
I must say I am disappointed.
