The Oakland Athletics placed second baseman Zack Gelof, who had started the team’s first 24 games, on the 10-day injured list Thursday because of a left oblique strain.
“We all know what he means to the club,” Kotsay said. “We’re hopeful that it’s a short period of time as opposed to a long period of time. Catching it early will hopefully limit the amount of days on the IL.”
Gelof, 24, is in his first full season after playing 69 games in 2023 and hitting .267 with 14 home runs and 32 RBIs. He is batting .196 with three homers and seven RBIs in 24 games this season.
“I think if it was into September, he’d probably play through it,” Kotsay said. “But being that it’s April, I’m glad we erred on the side of caution and hope it’s maybe just a 10-day thing.”
In a corresponding move, the Athletics recalled infielder Darell Hernaiz, 22, from Triple-A Las Vegas. Hernaiz, the organization’s No. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is 3-for-29 in 17 games for Oakland this season.
Hernaiz started at third base and Max Schuemann at second base in Thursday’s game against the Yankees.
