Oakland Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick suffered a fractured thumb during his team’s 4-1 loss to the New York Yankees on Thursday. He’s been placed on the disabled list, and it’s unclear when he will return.

Continue for updates.

Reddick Placed on 15-Day DL

Friday, May 20

The Athletics announced they recalled Jake Smolinski from Triple-A to take Reddick’s spot on the active roster.

Latest on Reddick’s Recovery Timeline

Thursday, May 19

Jane Lee of MLB.com reported the Athletics will need to wait for the outfielder to see a hand specialist before they determine how long he will be out. However, she noted that “Reddick believes he’ll be out at least four to six weeks.”

Reddick drilled his fifth home run of the season before exiting the game. He scored Oakland’s only run in a lackluster offensive effort. The outfielder hit 20 long balls in 2015 and adds power to the middle of the Athletics lineup.

Reddick Provides Athletics With Middle-of-the-Lineup Power

Losing Reddick for the amount of time he expects to be out for would be a blow because he is off to a quick start for Oakland.

Entering play Thursday, he was hitting .315 with an impressive OPS of .830. Both of those numbers would mark career bests if they hold, as he has never posted a batting average better than .280 or an OPS better than .784.

The Athletics will likely turn to Chris Coghlan in right field while Reddick is out. Coghlan is a versatile defender who can play the corner outfield spots or second base, but Tyler Ladendorf can occupy second in this scenario.

Coghlan has struggled with his bat in the early going and was hitting a mere .168 as of Thursday. However, he has flashed some power with five home runs and is coming off a solid year for the Chicago Cubs in 2015, when he hit 16 home runs and tallied 41 RBI. He was responsible for a career-best 1.9 offensive WAR in 2015, per ESPN.com.

The Athletics will need him to carry the load until Reddick returns as they chase the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers in the American League West.

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