A's Brent Rooker exits game vs. Yankees in 1st inning with back pain

Athletics right fielder leaves game after feeling discomfort on a swing

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:06pm

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A fractured, geometric painting capturing the dynamic motion of a baseball player's swing, with the player's face and uniform obscured into overlapping planes of muted earth tones.A cubist depiction of the Athletics' Brent Rooker's swing, which was cut short by a back injury during Thursday's game against the Yankees.West Sacramento Today

Athletics right fielder Brent Rooker exited Thursday's game against the Yankees with back pain after a swing in the first inning. Rooker fouled off an 84.2 mph changeup from Ryan Weathers and felt discomfort in his 'right flank,' according to the team. He was replaced by Lawrence Butler, and the team said they will get imaging done to determine the extent of the injury.

Why it matters

Rooker has been a key part of the Athletics' lineup, hitting .262 with 30 home runs and 89 RBIs last season. His exit due to injury is a concern for the team as they look to compete in the AL West.

The details

With Nick Kurtz on first base, Rooker fouled off an 84.2 mph changeup from Ryan Weathers, took a step toward home plate and winced after feeling discomfort. He was checked out by a trainer and manager Mark Kotsay before being replaced by Lawrence Butler. Kotsay said there is 'a lot of tightness' and they will wait for imaging results to determine the extent of the injury.

  • Rooker exited the game in the 1st inning on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Brent Rooker

Athletics right fielder who exited Thursday's game against the Yankees with back pain after a swing in the first inning.

Mark Kotsay

Athletics manager who said there is 'a lot of tightness' with Rooker's injury and they will wait for imaging results.

Ryan Weathers

Yankees pitcher who threw the 84.2 mph changeup that Rooker fouled off before feeling discomfort.

Lawrence Butler

Athletics outfielder who replaced Rooker in the game.

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What they’re saying

“There's just a lot of tightness right now. So we're hoping for the best but until we get an image, we won't know exactly what's going on.”

— Mark Kotsay, Athletics manager

“I'm a little tight and a little sore, but we'll get imaging done and see what that says.”

— Brent Rooker

What’s next

The Athletics will wait for the results of imaging tests on Rooker's back to determine the extent of the injury and a timeline for his return.

The takeaway

Rooker's exit due to back pain is a concerning development for the Athletics, who have relied on his production in the lineup. The team will need to closely monitor his condition and hope the injury is not serious, as they look to compete in the AL West this season.