Athletics reliever Justin Sterner (knee) undergoes season-ending surgery

Jul 8, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Athletics pitcher Justin Sterner (60) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Athletics right-handed reliever Justin Sterner is done for the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee. Sterner, 29, underwent the operation on Thursday in Los Angeles. He also received a platelet-rich plasma injection. Sterner was already on the 15-day injured list. He last pitched in a game on July 17. Sterner went 2-3 with a 6.12 ERA in 46 appearances covering 42 2/3 innings. He struck out 40 but served up 11 homers. He had a solid 3.18 ERA in mid-June before allowing 17 earned runs over his final 8 2/3 innings. He gave up six runs and retired just one batter against the Washington Nationals in his final appearance. Sterner has made 105 appearances with the A's over the last two seasons and also pitched in two games for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. He is 6-6 with a 4.27 ERA and 21 homers allowed in 111 2/3 innings. --Field Level Media