It’s every man’s worst fear and unfortunately for this sports star, the hit in the cojones required a trip to the hospital it was so severe
A Major League Baseball star has undergone surgery on a ruptured testicle after taking an eye-wincing blow during a game.
Oakland Athletics star Joshua Kuroda-Grauer was in action against the Arizona Diamondbacks this week when he hit a foul ball directly into his groin region during the fifth inning. He collapsed to the ground in severe pain and was attended to by trainers for over a minute.
As is often the case with such injuries, fans, players and commentators saw the funny side, with play-by-play announcer Chris Caray quipping: “It looks like he will come up with no balls and one strike,” in a clip that went viral.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Incredibly, Kuroda-Grauer chose to stay in the batter’s box. Three pitches later, he lined a single into centre field. He then took the field and played defence at third base for the bottom of the fifth inning before finally being pulled from the game.
He went to the hospital in Phoenix, where doctors performed an ultrasound that revealed a ruptured testicle, requiring immediate surgery that night.
The Athletics, who did at least win the game 5-2, placed Kuroda-Grauer on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. Manager Mark Kotsay praised the rookie’s bravery, joking that he might be the only player in Major League history to rupture a testicle, get a hit and play a half-inning of defence right after.
Kotsay said: “That was one of my comments this morning to him. I think he might be the only player in Major League history to [rupture] a testicle, get a hit, then play a half-inning of defence.
“It shows you the fight that this kid has. His desire to be on the field and just the will and want is pretty remarkable.”
Kotsay said was in good spirits Kuroda-Grauer, adding: “He was joking about it. His personality is amazing. He’s such a great kid. [It’s] unfortunate to have to lose him with the way he was performing and just the way he was integrated into this group. He fit right in.”
There is no official timeline for his return as the injury is rare among MLB players. Historical precedent – Adrian Beltre suffered a similar injury in 2009 – suggests a recovery window of up to six weeks.
Kotsay added: “Bad timing for an injury. But we’re thankful the surgery went well and he’s recovering well. We’re thankful that he’s going to be fine and that it doesn’t impact his life.”
Kuroda-Grauer has had a whirlwind 2026 season, during which he transitioned from a minor league standout to a major league sensation before suffering the most delicate of injuries.