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Athletics Announce Major Tyler Soderstrom Roster Decision
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Athletics are getting a major reinforcement back in their lineup tonight.

Before their game against the Detroit Tigers, the Athletics activated outfielder Tyler Soderstrom from the 10-day injured list after missing just seven games with a left hip impingement. In a corresponding roster move, the team optioned infielder Max Muncy to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Soderstrom's injury first surfaced after he exited a game against the Los Angeles Angels on June 27 after just one at-bat. The Athletics soon placed him on the injured list as a precaution to avoid making the injury worse.

On the season, Soderstrom has proven the team was wise to sign him to a seven-year, $86 million contract extension. He is slashing .242/.343/.460 with 13 home runs and an .803 OPS in 80 games.

Soderstrom's injury also came at the worst possible time, as Jacob Wilson hit the injured list that same day with right thumb inflammation. Wilson returned ahead of yesterday's game and went 0-for-4. Having both players miss only the minimum amount of time is a huge relief for an Athletics team that relies heavily on its offense.

Muncy's departure is somewhat surprising given how prominent his role was earlier this season. He received everyday at-bats for much of the first half. However, after a hot start, the 23-year-old's bat cooled off considerably. He is hitting just .227/.303/.396 with five home runs and a .699 OPS in 46 games.

With top infield prospect Josh Kuroda-Grauer now in the majors and thriving, the Athletics appear ready to move forward with him. Kuroda-Grauer offers a similar offensive profile to Jacob Wilson, making consistent contact and finding ways to get on base. Through his first seven major league games, the 23-year-old is hitting .462 with a .481 on-base percentage in 26 at-bats.

Despite Kuroda-Grauer's electric start, the Athletics have struggled without Soderstrom. They have lost four straight games and now sit 5.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners in the American League West. They have stayed in the playoff race for most of the season despite spending little time above .500. Now, other teams are beginning to separate themselves.

If the Athletics want to prove they should be buyers at the August 3 trade deadline, they need to turn their season around immediately.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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