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The Oakland Telegraph
22 June 2026
Cruz called up as Hawkins becomes latest injury casualty
By Ann Culsprain, minor injuries correspondent
Attention has been focused on the work of Oakland's baserunning coach, Dai Vintofirst, after left fielder Dennis Hawkins became the latest player to be put on the disabled list after injuring himself running the bases. Hawkins suffered a sprained ankle when the clumsy plum collided with the opposing first baseman, whose name I can't be bothered to research, in yesterday's 3-0 win over useless basket-cases Los Angeles Angels. He is estimated to be out for four weeks.
Welshman Vintofirst has been present on the coaching staff throughout Oakland's three-peat run, but questions are now being asked about his training methods after yet another baserunning injury. GM Paulie Beane defended his colleague, saying "Seriously, some of these players just need to man up and try the novel new approach of actually paying attention to where they're going when running the bases."
Power-hitting left fielder Javier Cruz, drafted by the A's in the first round in 2024, comes onto the roster to take Hawkins's place as designated hitter against righty pitching. Cruz joins a team which has just gone 8-2 over three consecutive series against the Los Angeles teams. They have, as a result, surged to 47-24, and now have a 8.5 game lead in the American League West over second-placed Houston.
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