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A’s pitcher Sonny Gray and OF Josh Reddick will have offseason surgery

By Brad Rowland

Oct 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (16) walks back to the dugout after striking out in the 8th inning against the Detroit Tigers in game four of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (16) walks back to the dugout after striking out in the 8th inning against the Detroit Tigers in game four of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (16) walks back to the dugout after striking out in the 8th inning against the Detroit Tigers in game four of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (16) walks back to the dugout after striking out in the 8th inning against the Detroit Tigers in game four of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

After a fantastic season (despite unfortunate playoff-exiting circumstances), the Oakland Athletics have announced that they are considerably banged-up heading in to the winter.

Although the news isn’t entirely negative (see Jarrod Parker), it isn’t the best-case scenario to see two of the team’s potential building blocks going under the knife. In the case of Gray, he’s reportedly been diagnosed with a torn UCL in his non-pitching thumb, so that is a more minor occurrence. Reddick, however, is the one to watch, as his wrist issue is far more critical to his future success as a hitter.

It was already a down season for the 26-year-old outfielder, and perhaps, this explains why. Coming off of a season where he slugged .463 and belted 32 home runs, Reddick slipped to a .379 slugging percentage and 12 home runs, with the caveat of about 200 fewer plate appearances. He visibly struggled with the explosion needed to be a power hitter at this level, and wrist issues are among the worst for a hitter of any kind.

As the A’s move into Spring Training for 2014, it’ll be important to monitor Reddick, as they could desperately use a return to the power potential that he displayed in 2012.

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