Justin Sterner Undergoes Surgery, Out for 2026 Season

The Oakland Athletics have announced that pitcher Justin Sterner has undergone surgery on his right knee, specifically a chondroplasty of the medial femoral condyle. As a result, Sterner will not return for the remainder of the 2026 season and will begin his rehabilitation process.

Currently on the 15-day injured list, Sterner is expected to be moved to the 60-day IL when the team requires his roster spot. The 29-year-old was acquired from the Rays in November 2024 and had a productive 2025 season, pitching 65 innings with a 3.18 earned run average. However, his performance declined this year, culminating in a 6.12 ERA before his injury.

Despite his struggles, the impact of Sterner's absence is minimal for the Athletics, who hold the worst record in baseball at 47-74. The team is evaluating its bullpen options, as none of the current relievers have significant service time, allowing them to assess potential long-term contributors.