Joshua Kuroda-Grauer’s Ruptured Testicle Ends Hot Start for the Athletics

On Monday, July 20, 2026, the Oakland Athletics faced the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. In the second inning, rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer hit his first major-league home run, a 416-foot solo shot. Five innings later, a foul ball struck his groin; he stayed in the game, finished the at-bat with a single and was replaced defensively by Donovan Walton in the sixth. Oakland won 5–2.

Sports Illustrated

The Athletics announced on Tuesday, July 21, that Kuroda-Grauer underwent emergency surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix to repair a ruptured testicle and was “resting comfortably.” He was placed on the 10-day injured list. Oakland recalled infielder Max Muncy from Triple-A Las Vegas and right-hander Hayden Juenger; reliever Mark Leiter Jr. was placed on the 15-day injured list for a right-hip impingement.

ESPN

Since his call-up on June 29, Kuroda-Grauer posted a .417 batting average (25-for-60) with a .435 OBP and a .583 slugging line, including one home run, four RBIs, seven doubles and an OPS above 1.000 in his first 16 games. His 25 hits tied an Athletics franchise record for a player’s first 16 games. He primarily played third base but also saw time at second and shortstop.

Sports Illustrated

The club’s press release reiterated that Kuroda-Grauer was “resting comfortably” after surgery. Manager Mark Kotsay said the immediate concern was confirming there was no additional injury. MLB.com reported an ultrasound was performed. He will be eligible to return from the injured list on July 30, 2026.

Below The Belt Injury Forces Athletics To Place Joshua Kuroda-Grauer On IL

• “I think he might be the only player in history to (rupture) a testicle, stay in the game, get a hit and play another half inning of defense,” — Mark Kotsay, manager

New York Times

Oakland entered the series with a roster already strained by injuries, having used 51 players—the third-most in MLB at that point. Losing a .417 hitter removes a key offensive contributor from a lineup that was 43-57 and trailing the AL West leader by 7.5 games. The recall of Max Muncy offers a temporary solution at third base, but depth at the middle infield remains limited.

Heavy

• June 29, 2026 – MLB debut, three hits against the Los Angeles Dodgers; called up from Triple-A.

Heavy

• July 20, 2026 – First career home run; later fouls a pitch into his groin, sustaining a ruptured testicle.

Sportskeeda

• July 21, 2026 – Placed on 10-day injured list; surgery performed; Muncy and Juenger recalled.

Las Vegas Review Journal

• July 30, 2026 (scheduled) – Earliest eligibility date for return from injured list.

Heavy