The Oakland Athletics welcomed back two-time All-Star Brent Rooker from the 10-day injured list Sunday, while simultaneously releasing utility player Andy Ibanez to create roster space.
Rooker had been recovering from an oblique strain he sustained during Oakland’s matchup with the New York Yankees on April 9.
The slugger returned to action Sunday, batting cleanup as the designated hitter against the Texas Rangers.
Prior to his injury, Rooker was struggling at the plate with a .146 batting average (6-for-41), though he had managed two home runs and eight RBIs.
The 31-year-old power hitter launched 30 home runs last season, marking his third consecutive year reaching that milestone. Rooker enjoyed his best campaign in 2024, setting personal records with 39 homers and 112 RBIs.
To accommodate Rooker’s activation, the Athletics parted ways with Ibanez through the roster move.
During the 2024 season with Detroit, Ibanez contributed four homers, 21 RBIs, four stolen bases and posted a .239/.301/.352 slash line over 91 contests.
The veteran signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with Los Angeles in January, but the Dodgers released him just one month later when they picked up Michael Siani from waivers.
Oakland subsequently claimed Ibanez, though he struggled in limited action with an .118/.167/.118 line across 11 appearances.
The 33-year-old utility man will enter waivers again, potentially attracting interest due to his ability to play multiple positions including first base, second base, shortstop, third base, and both corner outfield spots.
Throughout his six-year major league career, Ibanez has accumulated 28 home runs, 131 RBIs and maintains a .252 batting average.
