Page title background image

Athletics News

WEST
Nick Kurtz  • 1B  •  Athletics

Nick Kurtz Unlikely to Return This Season

MLB.com's Martin Gallegos writes that "it's looking unlikely" that Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) will return this season. Kurtz's platelet-rich plasma injection on Aug. 4 went well, but he has to be in a brace for four weeks after that. "Four weeks of no mobility. You probably can do the timeline and think through the scenarios in front of us for Nick," manager Mark Kotsay said. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger is trying to recover from a right-thumb strain, but with time running out in the season and with the A's sitting at 47-72 overall and well out of the postseason race, the probability is low that Kurtz will return in 2026. Jeff McNeil and rookie Tommy White should continue to split playing time at first base in Sacramento the rest of the way if Kurtz is unable to return. Kurtz's injury is a big blow for fantasy managers, as the former first-rounder has 57 total home runs and 155 RBI in 216 games and 923 plate appearances in his first two MLB seasons since debuting in 2025.
11 hours ago   
Hogan Harris  • RP  •  Athletics

Hogan Harris Re-Emerging as the Preferred Ninth-Inning Option for the Athletics

Across 52 innings (55 games) in 2026, Athletics left-hander Hogan Harris has recorded a 3.63 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with 70 strikeouts and 11 saves. Harris' inflated WHIP is a symptom of his command issues, as he's posted a 14.2% walk rate. However, the 29-year-old is also averaging a career-best 95.3 miles per hour on his fastball and has logged a stellar 29.3% strikeout rate. Harris appears to be re-asserting himself as the preferred ninth-inning option for the Athletics, as he's notched saves in each of his last two appearances and has recorded five saves in his last nine outings. Fantasy managers should not expect to get high-end ratio help from Harris, but he looks like a viable source of saves and strikeouts to target on the waiver wire in deeper leagues.
Yesterday   
Zack Gelof  • 3B  •  Athletics

Zack Gelof is Returning on Monday

Athletics infielder Zack Gelof (knee) was activated off the 10-day Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Gelof is ready to play after being sidelined since July 10 due to a right knee laceration. He'll cover third base and bat ninth versus right-hander Freddy Peralta on Monday. Gelof figures to be the everyday third baseman down the stretch of the season. This season, Gelof is slashing .273/.327/.476 with 11 home runs, 29 RBI, and eight steals in 67 games. He could be an interesting deep league option given his power and speed upside.
2 days ago   
Gage Jump  • SP  •  Athletics

Gage Jump has Much-Needed Strong Outing, Fans Career-High 11 Batters

Athletics rookie left-hander Gage Jump showed his upside on the mound in Saturday's 7-3 win over the red-hot Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, allowing only two earned runs on six hits while walking two and striking out a career-high 11 hitters in six innings for his fifth win of the year. It was Jump's fifth quality start in his first 14 major-league starts for the A's. The young southpaw has been up and down since the All-Star break, going six innings in two of his four starts and allowing 12 runs in 8 1/3 innings pitched in the other two appearances. Through his first 14 starts in the big leagues, Jump now sports a 4.46 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 84:33 K:BB in 72 2/3 innings pitched. Jump will have a middling matchup his next time out against the division-rival Texas Rangers, a team that he has yet to face so far in his first season in the majors. Jump has a decent 25.3% strikeout rate and plenty of upside in that department, but unsurprisingly, his command has been spotty with a 10.8% walk rate going into his start in Boston on Saturday.
4 days ago   
Hogan Harris  • RP  •  Athletics

Hogan Harris Losing Fantasy Value After Blown Save on Tuesday

Athletics left-handed reliever Hogan Harris is quickly losing fantasy baseball value after blowing his fifth save of the year in the team's 5-4 loss to the hosting Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. Harris was wild at Great American Ball Park, allowing two earned runs on three walks and one strikeout in just two-thirds of an inning, and not only did he blow the save, but he took the loss, his first of 2026. The 29-year-old walked the first two hitters he faced and also threw two wild pitches. The southpaw recorded three saves for the A's in July, but he's now allowed multiple runs in two of his last three outings and could be on the way out in the A's closer picture if he continues to struggle. On the season, Harris is 3-1 with a 3.62 ERA (4.20 FIP), 1.53 WHIP, a career-high nine saves, 67 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 49 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. The best thing going for Harris is that the A's don't have many better options for save situations, with Elvis Alvarado and Luis Medina being their primary setup men. Harris is currently rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues for those desperate for saves in deep formats.
7 days ago   
Jacob Wilson  • SS  •  Athletics

Jacob Wilson Returns From Knee Injury on Tuesday

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (knee) is starting at shortstop and will bat second for the A's on Tuesday against the hosting Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Brady Singer, according to MLB.com. The A's held Wilson out of Sunday's series finale against the Detroit Tigers due to patellar tendinitis in his knee, but after Monday's off day, he's back in the starting nine. The 24-year-old will return to a .274/.307/.396 slash line with a .703 OPS, seven home runs, 34 RBI, 33 runs scored, and four stolen bases in his 71 games across 304 plate appearances in 2026 in his second full year in the majors. The former first-rounder from Grand Canyon University has elite bat-to-ball skills, but he lacks any real power or speed upside, which makes him less interesting in fantasy baseball. Wilson is rostered in only 55% of Yahoo leagues. He's battled injuries this year as well and played in just 20 combined games in May and June. In 20 games in July, Wilson bounced back by hitting .272 (22-for-81) with three homers, two doubles, a triple, seven RBI, nine runs scored, and two stolen bases in 85 plate appearances. Wilson is hitless in just two career at-bats against Singer.
Aug 4   
Nick Kurtz  • 1B  •  Athletics

A's Place Nick Kurtz on Injured List With Thumb Strain

The Athletics announced on Tuesday that they placed first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Aug. 1) with a right-thumb sprain and recalled infielder Max Muncy from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. The A's decided to put Kurtz on the IL after he visited with a hand specialist on Monday following a few absences over the weekend. The elite left-handed power hitter was diagnosed with a chronic volar plate tear of his MCP joint in his thumb. Kurtz will receive a platelet-rich plasma injection on Tuesday, and there is no timetable for his return. In the two games that Kurtz missed over the weekend against the Detroit Tigers, Jeff McNeil and Jonah Heim filled in for the A's at first base. While on the IL, Kurtz, 23, must be stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues for his power upside in a hitter-friendly home park. The former fourth overall pick from Wake Forest University has hit 21 home runs with 69 RBI in 352 at-bats in 2026 after clubbing 36 homers and driving in 86 in 117 games played as a rookie in 2025.
Aug 4   
Jacob Wilson  • SS  •  Athletics

Jacob Wilson is Dealing with Patellar Tendonitis

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (knee) is being held out of the starting lineup during Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers. A's manager Mark Kotsay said Wilson is out due to patellar tendonitis in his right knee. He added that this injury is manageable and he believes Wilson will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Wilson has been struggling at the plate lately, so maybe this injury has played a part in that. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about a lengthy absence, as this sounds like a day-to-day issue. Alika Williams will cover shortstop and bat seventh versus right-hander Keider Montero on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday for another update.
Aug 2   
Nick Kurtz  • 1B  •  Athletics

Nick Kurtz Out Again on Sunday, to Visit With Hand Specialist

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) is not in the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the visiting Detroit Tigers, according to MLB.com. Jeff McNeil will make the start at first base and will hit eighth against Tigers right-hander Keider Montero in Sacramento. Kurtz played on Thursday and Friday after being hit by a pitch on Wednesday, but the 23-year-old left-handed slugger is now out on Sunday for a second straight game and is scheduled to visit with a hand specialist on Monday in Los Angeles. Manager Mark Kotsay said initial X-rays on Kurtz's hand were "kind of unclear," so the A's want more clarity moving forward. The good news is that the A's have a scheduled day off on Monday, but it seems unlikely that Kurtz will be ready to roll on Tuesday for the series opener in Cincinnati against the Reds, even if doctors like what they see in L.A. on Monday. Fantasy managers need to prepare for a potential trip to the injured list. Kurtz is an elite source of power in just his first full MLB season in 2026, but he's been banged up so far in the second half and hit just .114 (5-for-44) with a .454 OPS, two homers, five RBI, three runs scored, four walks, and 23 strikeouts in 14 games in July.
Aug 2   
Leo De Vries  • SS  •  Athletics

Leo De Vries Hits Another Long Ball as Triple-A Call-Up Approaches

Athletics top-ranked prospect Leo De Vries stayed hot in the batter's box on Thursday evening and continues to make a strong case to be called up to Triple-A Las Vegas. On Thursday, De Vries went 2-for-5 with a home run. Since July 4, the No. 2-ranked prospect in baseball has been nothing short of dominant at Midland, carrying a .345/.426/.621 slash line with four doubles, four home runs, five stolen bases, and a 12:9 K:BB. Before this surge, De Vries struggled to produce consistently in the power department, as he held a lower .411 SLG with a modest .778 OPS over the first 70 games of the campaign. Given his current trajectory, a late-season promotion to Triple-A remains in serious play. If he were to earn the call, the budding superstar should contend for an early MLB debut in 2027.
Jul 31   
Nick Kurtz  • 1B  •  Athletics

Nick Kurtz Back in A's Lineup on Thursday

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (forearm) is back at first base and is leading off on Thursday against the visiting Boston Red Sox and right-hander Sonny Gray, per MLB.com. Kurtz was pulled from Wednesday's game early in Sacramento after being hit by a pitch on his forearm, but X-rays and an MRI exam came back negative, and he won't have to miss any time. Fantasy managers in all traditional leagues will want to get the left-handed slugger back into their lineups immediately, even though he's been a bit cold at the plate lately. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2024 from Wake Forest University is hitting .260/.399/.491 on the year with an .890 OPS, 21 homers, 69 RBI, 62 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across his 346 at-bats after clubbing 36 homers and driving in 86 in just 117 games as a rookie in 2025. Kurtz offers elite power, regardless of position, but July hasn't been his best month, as he's gone 5-for-38 (.132) with a .485 OPS, two homers, five RBI, three runs, two walks, and 19 Ks in 12 games during the month. He has never faced Gray in his MLB career.
Jul 30   
Nick Kurtz  • 1B  •  Athletics

Nick Kurtz Leaves After Being Hit on the Forearm

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (forearm) left Wednesday's contest against the Boston Red Sox after he was hit on the left forearm/hand by a pitch, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Jeff McNeil took over for Kurtz at first base to start the second inning. The A's are saying that Kurtz is dealing with a contusion, which suggests he avoided a major injury, but he'll likely undergo further testing on Thursday. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday for an update on the power-hitting left-hander and to see if he's cleared to play in the series finale in Sacramento against Boston. After hitting 36 bombs and driving in 86 in just 117 games in his first year in the majors in 2025, Kurtz has followed it up with a .260/.398/.491 slash line, .889 OPS, 21 home runs, and 69 RBI in 96 games across 425 plate appearances. The power hasn't quite shown up like it did last year, but Kurtz has also missed time with an injury. He was a first-time All-Star in 2025 and is one of the best upside bats for power in the majors. Hopefully, he can avoid another stint on the injured list. UPDATE: Kurtz will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday after X-rays on his forearm "were kind of unclear," according to manager Mark Kotsay.
Jul 29   
Hogan Harris  • RP  •  Athletics

Hogan Harris Shaky in Tuesday's Save

Athletics left-hander Hogan Harris had to battle for Tuesday night's save against the Red Sox after entering the ninth inning with a three-run lead. Harris allowed two earned runs on three hits, including a home run, but recovered to secure his ninth save while striking out three batters. His swing-and-miss ability remained on display despite the shaky outing. The 29-year-old has continued to earn more late-inning opportunities after posting a 2.61 ERA during the month of July. He now owns a 3.38 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts across 48 innings this season. Harris' ability to generate strikeouts gives him legitimate fantasy appeal, and managers should continue to view him as a strong source of saves while he handles high-leverage opportunities.
Jul 29   
Shea Langeliers  • C  •  Athletics

Shea Langeliers Undergoes Meniscectomy, Not Officially Ruled Out for the Year

Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (knee) had a successful medial meniscectomy on Tuesday as well as a platelet-rich plasma injection in his knee, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. There is no timetable for Langeliers' return, but he has yet to be officially ruled out for the rest of the season. Langeliers didn't have a full repair of his torn meniscus, so there's a chance he could be back for the A's in three to six weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to stash the elite power-hitting catcher for now, but keep in mind that the A's will be in no rush to bring Langeliers back, especially if they are even further from playoff contention later in the second half. In the meantime, the lefty-hitting Jonah Heim will operate as the team's primary backstop, giving him fantasy value in two-catcher leagues for his pop from the left side. Langeliers' injury is a major blow to the A's and fantasy managers, as he was already at 23 home runs with a .263/.332/.497 slash line and .829 OPS through his 376 at-bats in 2026.
Jul 28   
Shea Langeliers  • C  •  Athletics

Shea Langeliers to Have Knee Surgery on Tuesday

Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (knee) was seen by Dr. Banffy in Los Angeles on Monday, and he recommended surgery for Langeliers' torn meniscus in his right knee. He will undergo surgery on Tuesday morning, which is likely to be season-ending. The news of Langeliers' torn meniscus surfaced on Sunday. The A's haven't announced anything officially that the 28-year-old backstop is out for the year, but that's the likely outcome, especially with the A's currently sitting nine games back of the final American League wild-card spot entering a new week. It's a tough blow for the A's and Langeliers' fantasy manager, as he has once again been one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball in 2026. In 93 games and 416 plate appearances before injuring his knee, Langeliers hit .263/.332/.497 with an .829 OPS, 23 home runs, 51 RBI, 55 runs scored, and two stolen bases. With Langeliers likely out for the rest of the year, the lefty-hitting Jonah Heim will now step in and take over as the A's primary catcher down the stretch.
Jul 27   
Hogan Harris  • RP  •  Athletics

Hogan Harris Pulling Away in A's Closer Committee, Worth a Waiver-Wire Look

Athletics left-handed reliever Hogan Harris appears to be pulling away as the team's preferred option for saves after earning his eighth save on Friday in the 2-0 win over the Minnesota Twins. Since Harris' last blown save on June 21 against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels, he has allowed only one earned run on six hits while walking four and striking out 18 in 9 2/3 innings pitched across 10 appearances, adding two saves. The 29-year-old southpaw has two saves already in his four appearances in the second half of the season and has been pretty reliable for most of the season with a 3-0 record, 3.15 ERA (4.03 FIP) and 1.49 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 28 walks in 45 2/3 innings across his career-high 49 relief appearances. Chasing a pitcher technically in a closer committee on a struggling team well below .500 on the year isn't ideal, but Harris is certainly worth a league in deeper leagues for fantasy managers who are desperate for saves. Harris is currently rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Jul 27   
Scott Blewett  • RP  •  Athletics

Scott Blewett Gets Dealt to the Athletics

The St. Louis Cardinals traded right-handed pitcher Scott Blewett to the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations on Sunday. Blewett threw two scoreless innings during his team debut on Tuesday and was designated for assignment on Wednesday. The Cardinals only called him up because he was out of options, so he was never expected to stick on the roster. The 30-year-old owns a 4.10 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and a 63/34 K/BB ratio across 44 games across five big league seasons. He figures to pitch in low-leverage situations for the A's, so fantasy managers can continue to ignore him.
Jul 26   
Jeffrey Springs  • SP  •  Athletics

Jeffrey Springs Lifted Early During Sunday's Outing

Athletics starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (undisclosed) made an early exit from Sunday's outing against the Minnesota Twins. According to Martin Gallegos, Springs was pulled in the second inning due to an apparent injury. He was checked out by the training staff in the second inning and ultimately pulled from the contest. He'll finish his day allowing four earned runs on four hits, while walking one batter over 1.1 innings of work. He should continue to be evaluated, and the A's should give an update on his status following Sunday's game. The southpaw has been getting crushed on the mound lately, so he's barely a deep league option when healthy.
Jul 26   
Shea Langeliers  • C  •  Athletics

Shea Langeliers has Torn Meniscus, Could Miss Rest of the Season

Athletics All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers (knee) could miss the rest of the 2026 season after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 28-year-old will decide whether he will have surgery to fix his torn meniscus. Regardless of Langeliers' decision on surgery, it will likely end any trade talks around a player who is considered one of the best catchers in baseball. The A's weren't planning to trade him before the Aug. 3 deadline, but multiple teams had hoped the A's stance would soften on Langeliers. If his season is over, Langeliers will finish with a .263/.332/.497 slash line with 23 home runs and 51 RBI in 93 games. Not only does he bring high-end power to the weak catching position in fantasy, but Langeliers is one of the top defensive backstops in the league, catching 11 runners this season on 35 stolen-base attempts. He was on pace to become just the third catcher in big-league history with three straight seasons of at least 29 home runs. Jonah Heim, who will take over catching duties in Sacramento, is now a prime waiver pickup in two-catcher fantasy leagues.
Jul 26   
Nick Kurtz  • 1B  •  Athletics

Nick Kurtz Reinstated From 10-Day Injured List

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, while infielder Max Muncy was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Kurtz had been out since July 10 with a right thumb capsule sprain, which also kept him out of the All-Star Game. The 23-year-old returns with a .266/.405/.497 slash line, 20 home runs, 61 runs, 66 RBI, and seven steals in 92 games. Kurtz can go right back into fantasy lineups. Muncy returns to Las Vegas four days after being recalled when Joshua Kuroda-Grauer landed on the injured list following surgery.
Jul 25   
LEGEND