Athletics Add Rodriguez: What It Changes Moving Forward

The A's have been riddled with injuries this season, which has unfortunately left many needs across different positions.

The injury to Tyler Soderstrom has left a hole in the outfield, as it was announced that he will be out for the remainder of the 2026 season. He served as the primary left fielder, which means a spot could be open moving forward.

Jul 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) reacts after getting hit by a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Injuries have derailed the A's season, as Nick Kurtz has been announced to miss the remainder of the season. Shea Langeliers, the All-Star catcher, will also miss the remainder of the season.

The most recent of the season-ending injuries is Jacob Wilson. He's been dealing with a lingering shoulder issue all year, and now the team will be shutting him down for the season. All of these injuries have now given the team an opportunity to bring in new people.

A's Add Outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez

Sep 27, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Johnathan Rodriguez (30) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Since the team has lost so many players to injury, it can now give other position players an opportunity, and the next possible option could be Johnathan Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is an interesting addition for the A's, as he has been unable to prove himself at the big-league level. The 26-year-old has played for a couple of big-league teams, but has a career .177 average in that span.

Jul 26, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) reacts during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

His success in the minor leagues could have potentially interested the A's. The outfielder has had multiple 20-homer seasons in the minors and is looking to translate that to the major-league level.

It's been a few years since he was a successful bat in the minors. However, now is the time for him to make the move to the big leagues, should the A's give him that opportunity.

How the A's Outfield Could Look

Aug 19, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (33) celebrates in the dugout after scoring against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The A's outfield has a bunch of depth. With Henry Bolte, Lawrence Butler, and the opening in left field, Rodriguez could possibly debut for the A's this season.

Bolte has been super impressive with his high exit velocity, high groundball rate, and 100th-percentile speed.

Aug 14, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler (4) celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Lawrence Butler has also been heating up and could be a big factor for the A's moving forward, as he is locked in with the team for many years. His impressive second half of 2024 earned him the extension.

The A's have a bunch of outfield options, and because of injuries, we could see a handful of different guys getting chances out there.

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