A's OF Brent Rooker leaves game vs. Yankees with flank discomfort

Field Level Media|published: Thu 9th April, 14:48 2026

Apr 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) hits a run scoring sacrifice fly in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The visiting Athletics lost Brent Rooker to right flank discomfort when the right fielder felt pain on a swing in the first inning of Thursday's game against the New York Yankees.

Rooker appeared to feel pain when he fouled off a changeup by New York starter Ryan Weathers for a 0-2 count. He winced after appearing to feel something near his back and was lifted from the game after being checked out by manager Mark Kotsay and a trainer.

The A's announced the injury in the fourth inning.

Rooker was replaced by Lawrence Butler in the third spot in the Athletics' lineup. Butler took a called third strike on the next pitch and the at-bat was charged to Rooker.

Rooker hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the ninth inning off David Bednar to give the A's a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night.

Rooker entered the day hitting .146 this season with two homers and eight RBIs this season. He drove in six runs on a pair of homers in Sunday's 12-10 10-inning win over Houston, which he ended with a walk-off three-run homer.

--Field Level Media

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