Elephant Rumblings: Gelof to begin rehab assignment

MLB news roundup

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

The A’s day-to-day lineup is undergoing changes this spring. No. 1 prospect and first baseman Nick Kurtz made his debut in green and gold just this week, pushing the team’s best hitter at the moment, Tyler Soderstrom, out to left field. That’s a move that could make the A’s a top AL offense, but it doesn’t move the needle a whole lot on a defense that needs work.

The next big move might be the return of starting second baseman Zack Gelof, per Jason Burke at SI.com. The 25-year-old fractured his hamate bone in spring training and has been recovering from surgery. But according to manager Mark Kotsay, Zack is ready for what is expected to be a fairly brief rehab assignment in Triple-A next week through which he should be taking at least 35 at-bats.

Burke estimates that this could mean Gelof will be back with the A’s by the time they head to Los Angeles on May 13 for a three game series at Dodger Stadium. I will definitely be hitting one of those games and hope to see Zack back on track in Elysian Park!

Gelof led all A’s hitters in his 2023 rookie campaign with a wRC+ of 132 through 300 plate appearances. He hit 14 home runs and stole an equal number of bases, an indication of 30/30 potential through a full season. Unfortunately, Gelof’s offense took a nosedive in 2024 as he posted an anemic slash line of .211/.270/.362 and a below-average wRC+ of 82.

Zack was looking better in Spring Training before injury struck—hopefully this setback will not prevent a return to 2023 form. He told SI that he’s “going crazy” being off the field for reasons beyond his control. If all goes well, getting Gelof back in the lineup will give the A’s a boost on both sides of the ball and push the team closer to becoming playoff-caliber.

Good luck with your continued recover, Zack! And have a wonderful weekend, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Walk off! A’s beat Rangers in series finale 4-3
• Zack Gelof Expected to Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
• ‘You saw the joy, right?’: Kurtz leaves a mark in MLB debut

MLB News & Interest:

• Rangers Place Kumar Rocker On Injured List
• Welcome to The Show: Gorski blasts homer in first career at-bat
• Who’s the closer? Doval saves all 3 Giants wins in series
• Best player in the NL so far? Polar Bear has iced the competition
• The rise of Steven Kwan: How a ‘mental edge’ has helped unlock an undersized MLB star ($)
• Twins rookie Luke Keaschall running wild, ties MLB record with 5 steals in first 5 games ($)
• Looking Ahead To Club Options: AL Central
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

College team comes out for Kurtz.

Dad remembers the callup call.

Chappy barrels up on a triple digit heater.