A’s OF Sweeney Out For Season

In the wise words of Steve Carrell’s Michael Scott, “I’m not superstitious, but I’m a little stitious.” Truthfully, I am not superstitious. However, the I do believe that the A’s have horrible luck when it comes to their health. Earlier today, the A’s announced that OF Ryan Sweeney will have surgery on his right knee, and thus, ending his season.

Sweeney, who was leading the team with a .294 average, will be a tremendous blow to an A’s team on the rise. Entering Monday, the A’s winning streak was at a season-high five games. A mixture of solid pitching and timely hitting has the green-and-gold back at .500, but without one of their more productive players, the A’s could find scoring runs even more difficult.

Despite lacking considerable power, Sweeney was able to drive in 36 runs while hitting mostly in the middle-of-the-lineup. Sweeney, 25, is a young player with the potential to be a very solid major leaguer, but also has some injury concerns. In his short career, Sweeney has made four trips to the disabled-list. This time, however, his season will come to an end—thanks to his bad knees.

The usual recovery time is anywhere between four and five months. Sweeney hopes to return healthy next season, although he’s also contemplating as to whether or not receive surgery for his left knee as well. Either way, the A’s are going to be without one of their better players for the remainder of the season.