Injuries plagued Stokes' career. His seasons with the Triple-AAlbuquerque Isotopes in 2005 and 2006 were cut short due to hand and groin injuries.[8][9] After being traded to the Oakland Athletics organization in early 2007, Stokes played 18 games with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats,[3] but again went on the disabled list with a back injury. Due to accumulating injuries, Stokes retired from baseball at the end of the 2007 season.
Attempting a comeback, Stokes signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers in January 2010.[10] He participated in spring training with the Tigers but was released on March 31 after suffering a groin injury. Later that season, after playing for the independentGrand Prairie AirHogs for 22 games,[3] Stokes again retired. He hit a total of 96 home runs in his minor league career.[3]
^Harrison, Randy (2005-04-07). "Baseball buzz". Albuquerque Journal.
^Harrison, Randy (2006-04-02). "Isotopes' Burly Slugger Back in Swing of Things; No longer pained by an injured hand, Stokes building his confidence". Albuquerque Journal. p. D1.
^Barron, James (2006-05-05). "Seabol, 'Topes rally". The Santa Fe New Mexican.