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Zack Gelof Injures his Right Hand on Tuesday Night
Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof (hand) was removed from Tuesday night's game early against the San Francisco Giants after third baseman Matt Chapman stepped on his right hand at second base in the second inning, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Gelof was removed immediately and finished the contest 0-for-1 at the plate as the A's leadoff hitter, bringing a tough end to his impressive 24-game hitting streak. Veteran Jeff McNeil replaced Gelof at the keystone at Oracle Park in San Francisco. It would obviously be terrible timing for Gelof to need to miss extended time with an injury if his hand ailment proves to be serious. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Virginia has been a popular waiver-wire pickup in recent weeks, given his hot streak at the plate. Gelof's 24-game hitting streak boosted his 2026 season slash line to .284/.338/.500 with an .838 OPS, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 40 runs, and eight stolen bases going into Tuesday's contest against the Gigantes. McNeil would see more time at the keystone in Sacramento if Gelof misses additional time. UPDATE: Manager Mark Kotsay said after Tuesday's game that Gelof avoided a fractured hand and won't require stitches.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Zack Gelof Sits Out on Saturday After Being Hit by a Pitch
Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof (head) was held out of Saturday's starting lineup against the visiting Los Angeles Angels because he came in just not feeling at his best, manager Mark Kotsay told Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Kotsay decided to give Gelof a full day off. Gelof did not need to go through the concussion protocol after getting checked out by a doctor after being hit in the ear flap of his helmet in Friday's contest, and he could be back for Sunday's series finale. Fantasy managers will want to consider Gelof day-to-day for now. If Gelof doesn't return on Sunday, his next chance to get back into the lineup will be in Tuesday's series opener against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Fantasy managers are hoping that the 26-year-old's head injury won't affect his breakout at the plate. He's currently riding a 23-game hitting streak in which he has gone 32-for-89 (.360) with five homers, six doubles, 13 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two stolen bases to raise his season slash line to .286/341/.502 with an .843 OPS in 222 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Max Muncy Reinstated From Injured List on Monday
The Athletics reinstated infielder Max Muncy (hand) from the 10-day injured list on Monday and optioned infielder Darell Hernaiz to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Muncy, who has been out of action since late April due to a fractured left hand, went 10-for-27 on his minor-league rehab assignment with three home runs and two doubles in seven games. The 23-year-old should be back in the starting lineup for the A's on Monday, although the team is facing a tough left-handed pitcher in Milwaukee Brewers southpaw Kyle Harrison. With Zack Gelof hitting well and occupying third base in Sacramento for the A's, Muncy could play regularly at the 6 for the A's upon his return, at least until Jacob Wilson (shoulder) returns from his own stint on the IL. The former first-rounder in 2021 was hitting just .239 (22-for-92) at the plate with two home runs, seven RBI, 15 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 26 games at the time of his hand fracture, and he's rostered in only 9% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Zack Gelof a Top Waiver Wire Target Ahead of Possible Breakout Season
After opening 2026 in Triple-A, Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof earned a promotion to the big leagues in mid-April and has since established himself as his team's everyday third baseman. Across 150 plate appearances so far this season, the 26-year-old is hitting .259/.304/.432 with six home runs, 19 RBI, 21 runs scored, and six stolen bases. Gelof battled major swing-and-miss issues in his previous MLB stints, logging a 34.4% strikeout rate across 547 plate appearances in 2024 and striking out in 45.5% of his 101 plate appearances in 2025. However, the former top prospect has lowered his strikeout rate to 24.7% in 2026. As long as Gelof can continue to keep the whiffs under control, his combination of power and speed makes him an appealing option for fantasy managers. Gelof also has the advantage of playing his home games in the A's hitter-friendly home environment in Sacramento, which should allow him to maximize his abilities at the plate. Gelof profiles as a priority waiver wire target with upside ahead of a possible breakout season in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zack Gelof Offers Power/Speed Upside as a Waiver-Wire Target
Across 129 plate appearances so far in 2026, Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof is hitting .229/.283/.424 with six home runs, 17 RBI, 21 runs scored, and six stolen bases. The 26-year-old opened the season with Triple-A Las Vegas, but he's worked his way into an everyday role as the A's third baseman since being recalled in mid-April. While Gelof's 25.6% strikeout rate in 2026 is a significant improvement from the 34.4% rate he posted across 547 plate appearances in 2024, he still profiles as a negative contributor in the batting average category for fantasy managers. However, Gelof owns a 9.8% career barrel rate at the big-league level and has swiped 46 bases across 275 total MLB games. As long as he limits his whiffs enough to stay in the everyday lineup, Gelof carries 20-homer, 20-steal upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zack Gelof a Post-Hype Sleeper to Target on the Waiver Wire
Since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on April 10, Athletics infielder Zack Gelof has re-emerged as an everyday piece of his team's lineup. Across 85 plate appearances, the 26-year-old is hitting .260/.313/.506 with five home runs, 13 RBI, 15 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Gelof has always offered high-end power upside, and he's posted a strong 10.2% barrel rate so far in 2026. The main difference for Gelof this season has been his ability to make consistent contact, as his 23.5% strikeout rate is significantly improved from his career mark of 32.5%. Given his history of swing-and-miss issues and his 19.2-degree average launch angle, fantasy managers may not want to count on Gelof continuing to provide value in the batting average category. Still, Gelof profiles as a power/speed asset with upside who should be a priority waiver wire target in most league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
