OAKLAND -- The A's celebration of Tuesday's walk-off win over the Milwaukee Brewers was tempered by some bad news on the injury front.
Oakland manager Bob Melvin revealed that starting center fielder Ramón Laureano will go on the 10-day injured list with a stress reaction in his right shin.
"We're going to have to shut him down for a period of time," Melvin said. "He's not going to be back in 10 days."
Melvin didn't provide an exact timetable for Laureano's return. Fortunately for the 25-year-old, it's not a stress fracture, which typically takes means a six-to-eight week absence. However, a stress reaction can lead to a stress fracture if not allowed to heal properly.
This is obviously a crushing blow for the A's, both offensively and defensively. Laureano leads the team with a .284 batting average and ranks third with 21 home runs and second with 58 RBI.
He also has one of the best arms, if not the best, in all of baseball. He has made numerous highlight-reel catches and throws in center field during his first two years in the majors, and those will be practically impossible to replace.
Sports
[RELATED: Three pitching combos that could make A's true contenders]
The A's will have to rely upon their excellent outfield depth, especially with right fielder Stephen Piscotty nearing a return from a knee sprain. Mark Canha is having the best season of his career and figures to slide over to center field when Piscotty returns, with Robbie Grossman and Chad Pinder splitting time in left.
Oakland already has found a way to overcome their share of injuries the past two seasons. Now, the A's will have to do it again in the absence of one of their best players.
