Oakland Athletics infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer underwent emergency surgery Tuesday to repair a ruptured testicle. The procedure took place at a Phoenix area hospital. Kuroda-Grauer sustained the injury Monday night during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
The 23 year old rookie fouled off a pitch in the fifth inning. The ball ricocheted off the handle of his bat and struck him in the groin area. He fell to the ground in pain but stayed in the at bat and recorded a single to center field. He was later removed from the game and replaced by Donovan Walton at third base.
The Athletics initially described the injury as a testicular contusion. Further evaluation Tuesday confirmed a rupture that required surgical repair. The team placed Kuroda-Grauer on the 10 day injured list. Right hander Mark Leiter Jr. was also placed on the 15 day injured list with a right hip impingement. The Athletics recalled infielder Max Muncy and right-hander Hayden Juenger from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill roster spots.
Kuroda-Grauer had made his major league debut on June 29. He entered Monday’s game with a strong batting average in limited action. In the second inning of the same contest, he hit his first career major league home run, which gave the Athletics an early lead in their 5-2 victory.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Kuroda-Grauer was in good spirits following the surgery. The player was surrounded by family during his time at the hospital. The team has not provided a specific timeline for his return.
This marks a difficult turn for the rookie, who had shown promise since his call up from the minors. The Athletics continue their series against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.