Oakland Athletics star Joshua Kuroda-Grauer has undergone emergency surgery for a ruptured testicle after being struck by a foul ball during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The incident occurred in the fifth inning when Kuroda-Grauer hit a foul ball directly into his groin. He collapsed in pain and was attended to by trainers for over a minute. Despite the injury, he remained in the batter's box and three pitches later lined a single into center field. He then played defense at third base for the bottom of the fifth inning before being pulled from the game.
Announcer's Quip and Surgery
Play-by-play announcer Chris Caray quipped: "It looks like he will come up with no balls and one strike," in a clip that went viral. Kuroda-Grauer went to a hospital in Phoenix, where an ultrasound revealed a ruptured testicle, requiring immediate surgery that night.
The Athletics placed Kuroda-Grauer on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. Manager Mark Kotsay praised the rookie's bravery, joking that he might be the only player in Major League history to rupture a testicle, get a hit, and play a half-inning of defense right after.
Manager's Comments and Recovery
Kotsay said: "That was one of my comments this morning to him. I think he might be the only player in Major League history to [rupture] a testicle, get a hit, then play a half-inning of defence. It shows you the fight that this kid has. His desire to be on the field and just the will and want is pretty remarkable."
Kotsay added that Kuroda-Grauer was in good spirits: "He was joking about it. His personality is amazing. He's such a great kid. [It's] unfortunate to have to lose him with the way he was performing and just the way he was integrated into this group. He fit right in."
There is no official timeline for his return. Historical precedent suggests a recovery window of up to six weeks. Kotsay said: "Bad timing for an injury. But we're thankful the surgery went well and he's recovering well. We're thankful that he’s going to be fine and that it doesn’t impact his life."
Kuroda-Grauer has had a whirlwind 2026 season, transitioning from a minor league standout to a major league sensation before suffering the injury.
