A's shortstop Jacob Wilson takes batting practice, expected to return soon after hand injury

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson, who has not played since getting hit by a pitch on his left hand Tuesday against Atlanta, took batting practice on Friday for the first time since the injury and is expected to be in the lineup soon.

“He looked good,” manager Mark Kotsay said before the series opener against Toronto. “There was some thought to make his way into the lineup today, but I don't know Jacob in talking to him last night was real confident about playing. I think he's more confident now that we've gone on the field.”

Kotsay expected Wilson to be able to come off the bench Friday, and the anticipation is he could start over the weekend and then play in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Atlanta.

Wilson and designated hitter Brent Rooker were selected for the game. Rooker will take part in Monday's Home Run Derby.

The manager wasn't as certain when asked Wednesday if Wilson would be able to play in the Midsummer Classic. Wilson has not spoken publicly since the injury, turning down interview requests so he could work on his rehabilitation.

Wilson, who is batting .335 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs, is the first fan-elected rookie All-Star starting shortstop.

He was selected sixth in the 2023 amateur draft. Wilson and teammate Nick Kurtz are the second and third leading candidates for AL Rookie of the Year, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The Athletics trainer, left, and Athletics' Jacob Wilson (5) head to the clubhouse during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

The Athletics trainer and manager Mark Kotsay, right, come to check on Athletics' Jacob Wilson (5) after he is hit by the pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. Wilson would go on to leave the game. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Morez Johnson Jr. scored a career-high 29 points, including 17 in the first half, and No. 2 Michigan beat No. 24 Southern California 96-66 on Friday night.

Roddy Gayle Jr. added 12 points for the Wolverines (13-0, 3-0 Big Ten), and Will Tschetter, Trey McKenney and L.J. Cason each scored 10.

Michigan is off to its best start since it won 17 straight games to start the 2018-19 season.

Jaden Brownell scored 16 points and Erza Ausar added 15 for the Trojans (12-2, 1-2), whose only previous loss was by eight points against Washington on Dec. 6. Chad Baker-Mazara, who came into the game averaging 21 points, was hampered by early foul trouble and finished with 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting.

Michigan starting guard Nimari Burnett was helped from the court with 16:25 left after falling during a battle under the basket. He went down to the floor and appeared to be bleeding above his eyebrow and holding his ankle. He sat on the bench the rest of the night.

The Wolverines bolted out to an 11-0 lead thanks to a defense that forced six early turnovers. USC got within five points twice in the first half and Michigan responded with a 32-19 run to build a 49-31 halftime advantage.

USC got no closer the rest of the way.

USC: At No. 9 Michigan State on Monday.

Michigan: Visits Penn State on Tuesday.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Michigan center Aday Mara, front, drives against Southern California center Gabe Dynes, back, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)