​Detroit (AP) — Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof left Thursday night’s game in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers after appearing to injure his right knee when it collided with the left field fence in foul territory while making a sliding catch. With the score tied at 0-0 to start the third, Zach McKinstry lined a pitch from Jack Perkins down the left field line. Gelof sprinted into foul territory, then slid to make a fantastic catch for the out, but his right knee slammed into the jutting fence. The moment was followed by immediate visible signs of distress as Gelof clutched his knee, briefly exposing a tear in his uniform pants where contact with the fence occurred. He rose and shuffled back to his position in left field after a few moments of remaining in obvious pain, as manager Mark Kotsay and head athletic trainer Jeff Collins hurried out to check on him.
Gelof briefly returned to the ground in pain and was soon replaced by Colby Thomas, who had started the game in right field. Lawrence Butler then moved into right field. The 26-year-old Gelof had grounded out in his lone at-bat in the second inning. He had been enjoying a strong season, batting .273 with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs, marking a bounce-back year after beginning the season with Triple-A Las Vegas. Gelof had previously enjoyed a 24-game hitting streak that was halted on June 23 when San Francisco’s Matt Chapman inadvertently stepped on Gelof’s right hand as the second baseman attempted a glove-hand tag. That incident also ended Gelof’s on-base streak at 27 games and his streak of scoring in 13 consecutive games. He had been activated from the injured list on July 4 after missing time with a bruised hand.
The incident against Detroit added another chapter to a year that has seen Gelof juggle versatility and heightened expectations in Oakland’s outfield and infield. His ability to play multiple positions, along with his growing power and contact ability, had made him a valuable piece in the Athletics’ lineup as they navigated through a season that has featured both encouraging bursts and unfortunate injuries. As Gelof recovers from the knee-related scare, the A’s will assess the severity of the injury and determine the appropriate course of action, including whether he will need further imaging, rest, or a return-to-play timeline. The immediate concern, of course, was Gelof’s health and the impact on the club’s lineup as they look to maintain momentum in what has been a competitive year for Oakland.
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