Nearly two weeks after setting a major-league record for most consecutive games at shortstop without an error, Jacob Wilson‘s season might be over for the Athletics.
Wilson is expected to go on the injured list with a left shoulder issue and will likely miss the remainder of the 2026 season, MLB.com’s Martin Gallegos reports. The Athletics have not yet confirmed the move.
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The third-year shortstop has not played since Sunday due to left shoulder soreness. That includes Thursday’s matchup with the Kansas City Royals. He is going back to Sacramento for further examination and is expected to be placed on the IL on Friday.
“There’s no swinging, no throwing,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said on Monday, via MLB.com. “His availability off the bench is to be able to pinch-run late in the game.”
With the Athletics last in the American League at 49-78, Wilson risking further injury makes little sense and he can now work toward being healthy for next season. However, recovering by spring training could depend on whether or not surgery is deemed necessary for Wilson.
Wilson, 24, has dealt with issues in his shoulder throughout the season going back to May when he dislocated his left shoulder while diving for a ball. That sidelined him for a month. Upon returning, Wilson soon went back on the IL due to right thumb inflammation and missed another 10 games.
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This season, Wilson compiled a slash average of .266/,298/.388 with 7 home runs, 16 doubles and 37 RBI while limited to 366 plate appearances. Injuries clearly took a toll as his numbers declined from last year’s .311/.355/.444 slash line with 13 homers, 26 doubles and 63 RBI. He signed a seven-year, $70 million contract extension in January.
Wilson has never been top-notch defensively. But despite the injuries, he’s played at his normal level, according to advanced metrics. This season, he’s credited with -7 Defensive Runs Saved and 9 Outs Above Average in 637 1/3 innings at shortstop.
The Athletics’ injured list gets more crowded with Wilson’s season ending. He’ll join first baseman Nick Kurtz (right thumb strain), catcher Shea Langeliers (torn meniscus) and outfielder Tyler Soderstrom (left hip impingement) and designated hitter Brent Rooker (left knee surgery), whose seasons are finished.
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Outfielder Denzel Clarke has been out with a strained hamstring, but began a minor-league rehab assignment this week. The status of rookie Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (ruptured testicle) for the remainder of the season has not yet been determined.
With Wilson out, Darell Hernaiz, Alika Williams and Donovan Walton are expected to see time at shortstop.
