Laureano, Reed both injured in batting cage

Slated to undergo MRIs

MESA, ARIZ. >> The Oakland A’s depth at center field took a hit on Wednesday morning. How substantial that hit will be remains to be seen.

Everyday center fielder Ramón Laureano and rising outfield prospect Buddy Reed had MRIs on Tuesday for injuries incurred in the batting cages. The A’s are awaiting results for both MRIs. Laureano was scratched from Tuesday’s game with left side soreness that manager Bob Melvin later clarified as an injury involving his intercostal muscle.

Reed has a right quad strain, and it “could be a while” before the 25-year-old is back in action, Melvin said.

Both players were injured taking hacks in the batting cages.

Any extended amount of time missed for either player is a huge hit, for varying reasons. With Opening Day two weeks away, they’ll want Laureano at full strength for a difficult stretch of games against the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers. The 26-year-old will also be missing key at-bats down to the final two weeks of Cactus League play.

Laureano was looking strong at the plate, batting .333 with two home runs, a double and a triple in 15 at-bats this spring.

Reed, a non-roster invite, is having a breakout spring performance. He’s shined defensively, showing off his arm on a handful of outfield assists and a well-timed catch at the wall to rob MVP Jose Abreu of extra bases. Reed escaped the first round of spring cuts, and the A’s wanted an extended look at their 2019 acquisition — who hasn’t played a game yet in the A’s system.

The two injuries also take a tremendous hit on the A’s center field depth in camp. Mark Canha can play center field. Rule 5 draft pick Ka’ai Tom and Cody Thomas can also play center field.