Full Breakdown
Brent Rooker Returns, Andy Ibáñez Designated for Assignment
4/28/2026, 4:28:53 AM
Rooker Returns, Ibáñez Designated
The Oakland Athletics activated two-time All-Star Brent Rooker from the injured list and designated infielder Andy Ibáñez for assignment, creating a roster spot in a 2-1 win over the Texas Rangers. The move came on Sunday.
Injury Background
Rooker suffered a right oblique strain while fouling off a changeup in a 1–0 win over the New York Yankees on April 9, missing 14 games and ending a 213-game streak.
Player Profiles
Rooker, 31, is a designated hitter who has hit at least 30 home runs in each of the past three seasons, posting career highs of 39 homers and 112 RBI in 2024 and entering the Home Run Derby. Ibáñez, 33, is a utility infielder who can play all four corner infield spots and both outfield positions; he signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Dodgers in January and was claimed off waivers by Oakland in February.
Statistics
Before his injury, Rooker was .146 (6-for-41) with two homers, six walks and eight RBI; last season he posted .262 with 30 homers and 89 RBI. Ibáñez posted a .118/.167/.118 line in 11 Oakland games, going 2-for-16 versus lefties, and in 2023 with Detroit he hit .239/.301/.352 with 4 homers, 21 RBI and .802 OPS. His career totals are 28 homers, 131 RBI and a .252 average.
Official Statements
The Athletics announced the roster move, noting a seven-day window to trade, waive, or assign Ibáñez to the minors, and confirming Rooker will continue in the cleanup spot while his health is monitored.
Criticism
Analysts called Ibáñez’s brief Oakland stint disappointing, noting his failure to replicate Detroit’s platoon success and his .118 average in limited action, despite defensive versatility at first, second, third and both outfield spots.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the injured-list length (10-day vs. 15-day) and activation day (Sunday vs. Saturday). Reports list the waiver window as seven days in one account and five in another. The club has not commented.
What’s Next
Oakland will monitor Rooker’s health as the team relies on his power for offense. Ibáñez will be placed on waivers; if unclaimed, the club may assign him to the minors, though he can reject the move and become a free agent. The franchise sees the season as a transitional phase.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Athletics activated two-time All-Star Brent Rooker from the 10-day injured list on Sunday and designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment.” — ESPN, MLB news
- “Rooker was sidelined with an oblique injury.” — Field Level Media, MLB news service
- “Rooker wasted no time getting back into action, slotting into the cleanup spot as the designated hitter in Saturday’s game against the Texas Rangers.” — CrunchSports, baseball analysis
- “Ibanez’s Brief Oakland Chapter Comes to an End The move marks the end of a disappointing tenure for Ibanez, who struggled mightily in his limited opportunities with Oakland.” — CrunchSports, baseball analysis
