A’s injury woes continue as Langeliers, Leiter Jr. head for surgery

The Athletics’ injury list continues to grow at the worst possible time.

As the A’s limp through a disastrous July, they’ll now be without two more key contributors after All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers and reliever Mark Leiter Jr. were both recommended for surgery following evaluations in Los Angeles.

The injuries come during a month in which the Athletics have gone just 4-16, dropping to the brink of 20 games under .500.

The Athletics are now 10 games behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West and 9.5 games out of the final American League Wild Card spot, with their postseason hopes fading as injuries continue to pile up across the roster.

Langeliers’ MRI revealed a right medial meniscus tear, and after meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache’s colleague, Dr. Banffy, on Monday, surgery was recommended. The procedure is scheduled for Tuesday morning, with additional details expected afterward.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 25: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics rounds the bases after he hit a grand slam home run off of Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park on August 25, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The loss is another significant blow to the Athletics lineup. Langeliers has been one of the club’s most important offensive and defensive pieces, and replacing his production behind the plate won’t be easy as the team searches for answers during its second-half skid.

Leiter Jr. also received difficult news after experiencing increased pain in his right hip while pitching. Doctors diagnosed femoroacetabular impingement, and surgery was likewise recommended. He is also scheduled to undergo the procedure Tuesday morning.

The Athletics are already dealing with several long-term absences.

Slugger Brent Rooker remains on the 60-day injured list after undergoing left knee surgery on July 17 to repair damaged cartilage and remove loose bodies. He is not expected to return this season.

Center fielder Denzel Clarke continues progressing through running, throwing and hitting drills while recovering from a left hamstring strain, but has not yet begun a rehab assignment.

Starting pitcher Luis Severino has at least resumed throwing after beginning a throwing progression on July 25 as he works back from a right shoulder strain.

Severino has not pitched in a game since May 29th.

Starting pitcher Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics reacts after pitching in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 10, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

There was also encouraging news for a handful of pitchers. J.T. Ginn is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday and could face hitters in a live bullpen on July 29 if everything goes well.

Brooks Kriske continues advancing through bullpen sessions and is preparing to throw live batting practice.

Infielder Zack Gelof remains in baseball activities while continuing his running progression after suffering a right knee laceration.

Not every update was positive. Rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, who underwent surgery following a testicle rupture on July 20, has not yet resumed baseball activities. Pitcher Justin Sterner also remains shut down from throwing while working through a strengthening program for his right knee.

With injuries mounting nearly every week, the Athletics’ difficult July has become even tougher, leaving an already struggling club searching for healthy bodies as the season slips further away.

More MLB content from Sactown Sports

• Passan: A’s ‘have zero desire’ to trade Shea Langeliers
• Dusty Baker believes Sacramento has ‘an excellent chance’ of landing MLB expansion team
• Is Sacramento ready for MLB expansion? Former A’s owner weighs in
• Derrek Lee is confident Sacramento can support an MLB Expansion team

Upcoming Athletics 2026 Schedule

• Monday, July 27th – Thursday, July 30th – vs. Boston Red Sox
• Friday, July 31st – Sunday, August 2nd – vs. Detroit Tigers
• Tuesday, August 4th – Thursday, August 6th – @Cincinnati Reds
• Friday, August 7th – Sunday, August 9th – @ Boston Red Sox
• Monday, August 10th – Wednesday, August 12th – vs. Tampa Bay Rays

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