Tyler Soderstrom Returns — What This Tells Us, and New Questions Arise

The A's have activated Tyler Soderstrom from the IL ahead of Wednesday's game, getting the lineup close to full strength with Jacob Wilson's activation on Tuesday. The big missing piece is still Brent Rooker, who will miss the rest of the 2026 season. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on his knee on Friday, July 17. 

To make room for Soderstrom, the A's optioned Max Muncy back to Triple-A Las Vegas. Muncy began the season with the club as the team's starting third baseman — playing in nearly every game until he landed on the IL at the end of April. Not long after, Zack Gelof became the go-to guy at the hot corner.

Muncy had been getting long stretches without a start, going five games, then starting 10, followed by another three off. 

With Joshua Kuroda-Grauer on the roster and his flexibility and surging bat, that made Muncy, who still needs some work defensively, the option for right now. The A's sticking with JKG, and Alika Williams, is telling. They're looking for good defense right now, and those two offer a better chance for the A's at the moment. 

Where this becomes even more interesting is how Muncy will be utilized in Triple-A. Tommy White has been hitting the ball well himself, and is primarily a third baseman. Muncy needs his reps at third. 

Who will get the playing time?