Athletics news: Top prospect to miss 8 months after shoulder surgery
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Athletics top prospect Leo De Vries faces an extended absence because of a right shoulder injury that will require surgery. The A’s 19-year-old shortstop, MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 overall prospect, last took the field on August 14 and has since moved to the 60-day injured list.
Athletics Farm editor-in-chief Bill Moriarity took to his X, formerly Twitter, revealing the surgery plans and expected recovery timeline.
“A’s top prospect Leo De Vries is set to have shoulder surgery (anterior labrum) on Sept. 13. He’s expected to be sidelined approx. 8 months. Hoping to see him back in action as soon as possible.”
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The rising shortstop’s injury ends a strong 2026 campaign with Double-A Midland. The 19-year-old slashed .290/.378/.458 with 13 home runs, 55 RBIs, 63 runs and 34 stolen bases across 93 games and 428 plate appearances.
The Athletics placed De Vries on Midland’s seven-day injured list after he last played on August 14. They later transferred him to the 60-day IL on September 1 as he continued dealing with the right shoulder issue.
The A’s acquired the highly regarded prospect from the San Diego Padres as the centerpiece of the July 2025 trade that sent superstar closer Mason Miller and JP Sears to San Diego. The switch-hitting infielder entered the organization as its top prospect after originally signing with the Padres for $4.2 million in 2024.
De Vries primarily played shortstop this season but also appeared in 15 games at third base. This experience gave him additional defensive versatility with Jacob Wilson established at shortstop in the majors.
The surgery eliminates any possibility of De Vries reaching the majors this season and pushes back his projected 2027 arrival. An eight-month recovery timeline would extend into approximately May, though the Athletics have not announced a specific return date.
He will now undergo surgery before beginning an extended rehabilitation process. His focus will then shift toward returning during the 2027 season.
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