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Athletics’ Josh Reddick out four to six weeks with broken thumb

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 19, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) breaks his bat flying out to end the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) breaks his bat flying out to end the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick will be out at least the next four to six weeks after breaking his thumb while sliding into second base.

The Oakland Athletics got off to a slow start this year with a 19-23 record entering May 20. That slow start is about to get a lot tougher to overcome after losing their best hitter in Josh Reddick for the next four to six weeks with a broken thumb. He broke his thumb after hitting the cleat of Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro while he was stealing second base.

"“Frustrating isn’t even the right word,” Reddick said, via ESPN. “I’m ticked off more than anything. I was having a great season and now this. Something so simple can be so damaging.”"

Reddick’s injury hurts the Athletics for several reasons. First of all, Reddick was their best hitter so far with a .322 batting average, five home runs, a .396 on-base percentage, and a .466 slugging percentage. He is also one of their best defensive outfielders. His .860 OPS at the time of his injury was a career high.

Secondly,Reddick is expected to be one of the pieces that the Athletics move at the trade deadline. This could hurt his value if his broken thumb doesn’t heal as expected. For a rebuilding team like the Athletics, Reddick’s hot start was the best possible thing for them. Now they might not be able to cash in on it.

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