Tyler Soderstrom -- Injury Report

Tyler Soderstrom is returning to the lineup Friday against the Cleveland Guardians after missing two games with a shoulder and head injury. The injury occurred Tuesday when Soderstrom attempted a dive in left field. He will resume his role by starting in left field and batting sixth. Through 29 games this season, the 24-year-old is batting .211 with a .298 on-base percentage and .404 slugging percentage. He has contributed 3 home runs, 1 stolen base, 18 RBI, and 14 runs scored on the season.

Tyler Soderstrom exited Tuesday's game between the Athletics and Kansas City Royals after attempting a diving catch in the bottom of the fifth inning. According to Athletics manager Mark Kotsay, Soderstrom "slammed down pretty hard, fully extended" during the play and did not feel great upon coming off the field, prompting his removal as a precaution. While Kotsay reported no signs of a concussion, the team indicated further evaluation would occur the following day. Carlos Cortes replaced Soderstrom in left field beginning in the sixth inning. The Royals also experienced injury concerns when first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino exited with lower back tightness after grounding out in the bottom of the sixth, displaying visible pain on his follow-through swing. The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 through eight innings before advancing to extra innings, where Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a three-run homer.

Tyler Soderstrom sustained general soreness after attempting a diving catch in Tuesday's game against the Royals. He sat out Wednesday's contest and is anticipated to miss Thursday's series finale as well. The Athletics catcher is expected to return to the lineup for Friday's matchup against the Guardians. During Soderstrom's absence on Thursday, Lawrence Butler may start in the outfield against Royals left-handed pitcher Noah Cameron.