Athletics' Denzel Clarke hits a double during the eighth inning...

Athletics' Denzel Clarke hits a double during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Cleveland. Credit: AP/David Dermer

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Athletics placed dynamic rookie center fielder Denzel Clarke and infielder Max Muncy on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday.

Clarke has an adductor strain and is likely to miss a couple weeks, manager Mark Kotsay said Monday.

Muncy was hit on the right hand by a pitch in Monday night's series opener at Texas and was replaced at third base by Gio Urshela. Kotsay said before Tuesday's game than an initial scan showed a fracture in the fourth metacarpal, but the team planned to get a second opinion.

“Yeah, it’s tough timing for both these kids,” said Kotsay, adding that the goal has been to get the rookies as many at-bats as possible to try “and accelerate their growth for coming seasons.”

Kotsay said it would be a blow to that development process if Muncy isn't able to get back and finish the season.

Lawrence Butler made his second straight start in center Tuesday night. A day earlier against the Rangers, Butler made a leaping catch in front of the A's bullpen in left-center field to take a home run away from Kyle Higashioka. Clarke has made several spectacular catches this season.

The A's recalled outfielders Colby Thomas and Carlos Cortes from Triple-A Las Vegas. Cortes is batting .322 with 17 homers and 77 RBIs in 71 games with Las Vegas. The 28-year-old would be making his major league debut.

Athletics third basemen Max Muncy throws to put out Cleveland...

Athletics third basemen Max Muncy throws to put out Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio during the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Cleveland. Credit: AP/David Dermer

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