The Oakland Athletics are facing a double blow as they place two key players on the injured list. First baseman Nick Kurtz and infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof are both sidelined due to injuries, which could significantly impact the team's performance and playoff hopes.
Kurtz, who was a unanimous AL Rookie of the Year last season, is dealing with a right thumb strain. He left a game against the Tigers with an illness but returned the next day. The timing of his thumb injury is unclear, but it could be a significant setback for a player who has been on a strong start this season. Kurtz has a .902 OPS and 20 home runs in 92 games, and was expected to start in the All-Star Game.
Gelof, on the other hand, is nursing a knee laceration. He was removed from a game after sliding into the left field wall, and the team has confirmed his placement on the injured list. Gelof had just returned from a hand injury and was struggling in his brief return, but his overall numbers remain strong with a 120 wRC+ in 67 games. The 26-year-old utilityman will now be sidelined for at least the final series before the break and the week to follow.
The Athletics have recalled first baseman Joey Meneses to take Kurtz's spot on the roster. Meneses, who joined the organization on a minor league pact over the winter, is 2-for-14 in limited opportunities with the A's. He had a couple of decent seasons with the Nationals but didn't play in the majors last year, spending the 2025 season at Triple-A with the Mets.
The team also recalled shortstop Jacob Wilson and outfielder Tyler Soderstrom to the lineup earlier this week. Soderstrom could fill in at first base with Kurtz out, and Meneses is drawing the start at the cold corner. Gelof, who has been spending time in the outfield, will now have a clearer path to consistent playing time, with Joshua Kuroda-Grauer earning regular opportunities in the infield. Lawrence Butler also benefits from this shift, and Jeff McNeil could see additional at-bats as a replacement for Kurtz.
These injuries come at a critical time for the Athletics, who are in a tight playoff race. With Kurtz and Gelof sidelined, the team will need to rely on their depth and find ways to fill the gaps in their lineup and rotation. The recall of Meneses, Wilson, and Soderstrom is a positive step, but it remains to be seen how the team will adjust and perform without their key players.
