The hits keep on coming for the Oakland Athletics. No, we’re not talking about the surprising team’s offense. Instead, it’s all about the injuries that continue to impact Oakland’s rotation.
On the very same day that Brett Anderson was placed on the 10-day disabled list comes this news about ace starter Sean Manaea.
Placed on the DL this past weekend with a shoulder injury, the A’s are now shutting down the 26-year-old starter for the foreseeable future with rotator cuff tendinitis.
At this point, it’s unknown whether Manaea will be back this season.
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This might qualify as the death knell to Oakland’s championship aspirations. Manaea has been the team’s best starter all season, pitching to a 12-9 record with a 3.59 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 27 starts.
Without him in the mix, Oakland will be relying on its elite-level offense and a bullpen that has been bolstered in a big way through trades this season.
There’s also an outside chance that Billy Beane and Co. look for help leading up to Saturday’s waiver trade deadline.