Athletics news: Pitcher exits Royals game with hip injury concern

Looking to capture their three-game series against the visiting Kansas City Royals, the Athletics have split the set with the visitors at one game apiece. In the series finale, veteran starter Jeffrey Springs took the mound for the A’s. However, he left after the third innings, with the home team up 5-2. According to team beat reporter Martin J. Gallegos on X (formerly Twitter), Springs exited due to right hip soreness.

“Jeffrey Springs exited the game with right hip soreness, per A’s,” reported Gallegos.

If the Athletics hold on to win their second straight against the Royals, their lead at the top of the AL West could improve to two games. The Seattle Mariners, who won the division last year, are hot on their heels. Before he left the matchup, Springs allowed two runs on five hits and a walk, striking out four. He kept Kansas City off balance, with Maikel Garcia’s solo shot being the biggest blow from the visiting lineup.

One of the veteran cogs of the Athletics’ rotation, losing Springs for an extended period of time would be a big blow. Luis Severino is looking to improve in his second year with the A’s. Aaron Civale came aboard on a one-year deal. Jacob Lopez and J.T. Ginn have come up through the Athletics’ minor league system. While the A’s have depth in their system, it’s unknown if a replacement would adequately replace Springs. Will this bout of hip soreness keep the lefty off the mound for more than a couple of weeks? If so, the Athletics’ path to the top of the AL West became at least a little bit tougher.