Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!
A’s rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson is on the mend and ready to begin his rehab assignment this weekend per Martin Gallegos at MLB.com.
The lone A’s starter in this year’s All-Star Game, Wilson was placed on the IL on July 29, retroactive to July 26 with a left forearm fracture. J Willy was expected to be back with the MLB club in September, per the Athletics latest injuries and transactions page at MLB.com.
Wilson had an unbelievable start to his rookie campaign in the spring, executing his elite bat-to-ball skills at the big league level without missing a beat. At the end of May, Wilson was slashing .345/.387/.495 with a wRC+ of 145, challenging Aaron Judge for the batting title, and establishing himself as the runaway favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
Jacob’s bat cooled off considerably as the All-Star Break approached, but still managed to garner more fan votes than superstar Bobby Witt Jr. and secure the starting spot at shortstop for the AL at the Midsummer Classic. A week prior to his All-Star appearance, Wilson was hit by a pitch and initially thought to have merely suffered a contusion. But further diagnostic workup revealed the fracture that resulted in Wilson’s extended absence. Meanwhile, fellow A’s rookie Nick Kurtz has overtaken Wilson in the AL ROY race.
It’s been disappointing to see this unfortunate series of events derail J Willy’s phenomenal rookie season, but hopefully the A’s budding star will be back ahead of schedule and finish the season on a high note.
Have a wonderful weekend, AN.
“This one time, at Brent Rooker Baseball Camp..”