Canha placed on 10-day IL with hip strain
The A’s call up infielder Machin to take his spot
SAN FRANCISCO >> Mark Canha was placed on the 10-day IL with a left hip strain, a blow for the A’s as they embark on a threegame series Friday night against the hot San Francisco Giants.
Infielder Vimael Machin was recalled as the corresponding roster move.
Canha had an MRI on Friday after removing himself in the third inning from Thursday’s game against the Texas Rangers. Manager Bob Melvin said no play in particular caused the injury, but noted Canha’s hip bothered him after a handful of
at-bats. Canha had a planned day off on Wednesday. The A’s did not have Canha’s MRI results before the A’s game against the Giants on Friday.
“Thinking it’s the turf,” Melvin said on Thursday of the injury. “We had that planned for him anyway. One day off on the turf. But after a few at-bats today, bothered him enough to where he had to take himself out of the game.”
Canha had surgery to repair a partially torn labrum and impingement on his left hip in May 2016.
“I don’t know if it’s a benefit because it was fixed, or if it compromises it. We don’t know,” Melvin said. “Based on the way he’s walking around right now. Hopefully it hasn’t compromised that. You’d think, if it did, he would look a little different.
Anytime you’re talking about a hip in an area where he had it surgically repaired, it’s obviously a concern.”
Canha was enjoying an successful season until his hip injury flare up, batting
.255 with a .375 on-base percentage and .826 OPS. With a .408 OBP on the season, Tony Kemp has emerged as an ideal candidate to fill in for Canha atop the lineup against right-handed pitchers.
Melvin said he isn’t sure who will lead off against lefthanded pitchers. Ramón Laureano could be a candidate.
But Canha’s discipline at the plate and leadership will be difficult to replace.
“That’s a tough one for us. What he’s meant for this team,” Melvin said. “What he’s done in the leadoff spot. His versatility. He’s a tough one to replace.”
Machin is hitting .300 with seven doubles, three triples, three home runs and 28 RBIs in 31 games with Las Vegas. For three games against San Francisco in a National League ballpark, Machin’s ability to play all infield spots could come into play.
“Whether it’s pinch hitting, double-switches, moving guys around,” Melvin said. “He can play anywhere on the infield which is a benefit and he’s swinging the bat really well. He seems like a nice fit here in a National League ballpark.”