Athletics rookie shortstop Joshua Kuroda-Grauer suffered a ruptured testicle after being struck by a foul ball during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 20, 2026. Despite the severe injury, Kuroda-Grauer continued to play for a short time before the intense pain forced him out of the game. He later required emergency surgery to repair the damage caused by the impact to his groin.

A ruptured testicle occurs when the tunica albuginea—the tough fibrous layer surrounding the testicle—is torn, exposing the sensitive tissue inside. This type of injury causes intense pain along with bleeding, as ruptured blood vessels release blood into the scrotum. The accumulating blood can compress tissue and exacerbate damage, making immediate medical treatment critical to prevent permanent harm.

The surgical repair involves opening the scrotum to stop bleeding, remove dead tissue if necessary, and sew the torn fibrous covering back together. Ultrasound is used to ensure proper blood flow is restored to the affected testicle. Timeliness is essential; delays in surgery can result in the loss of the testicle if the tissue becomes nonviable or blood supply is insufficient.

Recovery from a ruptured testicle typically takes at least two weeks, with rest required to avoid further injury. Long-term effects depend on how much of the testicle can be saved, but one testicle may compensate for any loss in hormone or sperm production. Prevention involves protecting the groin area with equipment like athletic cups, particularly during contact and ball sports, though ruptures remain relatively rare.