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ATHLETICS BASEBALL

A’s 2B Zack Gelof (wrist) to miss start of 2025 season

The Athletics will be without starting second baseman Zack Gelof (right hamate excision) to begin the 2025 regular season.

KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 18: Oakland Athletics second baseman Zach Gelof (20) is congratulated by team...

(Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

(Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

As the Athletics prepare for their inaugural season in Sacramento, they will be without a key piece of their infield to begin the 2025 campaign.

The A’s announced on Monday that starting second baseman Zach Gelof underwent successful surgery–a right hamate excision procedure to Gelof’s right wrist–that will place the former top-three organizational prospect on the injured list to begin the season.

Gelof, 25, hit .211 with 17 home runs, 49 RBI, and scored 60 runs to go along with 25 stolen bases during the 2024 season.

With Gelof out of action, the Athletics will lean on rookie infielder Max Muncy and recent free-agent signing Luis Urias to fill the void in the infield.

More Athletics coverage from Sactown Sports

As Sutter Health Park prepares for a landmark season featuring both the Athletics and the Sacramento River Cats, the stadium has undergone major upgrades designed to enhance the fan experience, improve game-day technology, and provide robust player amenities. 

Cutting-Edge Video Experience 

Sutter Health Park is replacing their previous board with a state-of-the-art video experience featuring a 75’ x 32’ main display. Located in right-center field, the new board will have nearly twice the resolution, resulting in improved visibility for fans throughout the ballpark.

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All displays will be powered by Ross XPression CMS, allowing for real-time graphics updates that seamlessly transition between the A’s and River Cats branding. The system also integrates Ross Brushback, which is directly tied to MLB’s stats API, providing live pitch, hit, and runner data along with player statistics from both Major and Minor League appearances.

Other display improvements include:

  • Instant Replays and Seamless Transitions – Faster transitions between video and graphics, making instant replays a reality.
  • Dynamic Stadium Lighting Integration – Home runs and other key moments will trigger graphics across all displays.
  • Expanded Video Board Mapping – Live video can now be featured across different zones of the main display.
  • On-Screen Graphics Enhancements – Live feeds will include custom overlays, lower-third text, and interactive fan prompts.

Additional video enhancements include a ribbon board, a brand-new backstop LED display, and a full digital menu board program across all concession stands.

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Sutter Health Park Field Enhancements

Sutter Health Park is implementing cutting-edge advancements to enhance the performance, sustainability, and playability of the ballpark’s natural grass playing surface. The installation of AirPAT technology will optimize root zone oxygenation, improve moisture management, and regulate subsurface temperatures – ensuring a healthier, more resilient playing surface year-round. These upgrades will not only enhance turf durability but also reduce reliance on chemical treatments, promoting environmentally responsible field management.

Additionally, the integration of drone monitoring, infrared scanning, and infield moisture sensors will provide real-time data on turf health, moisture levels, and nutrient distribution. This precision-driven approach, combined with an advanced fertilizer injection system, will create optimal growing conditions while minimizing water and resource usage.

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Expanded Network Infrastructure and Stadium Technology

To support the increasing demands of modern game-day technology, Sutter Health Park has implemented major network upgrades, including:

  • 125 HPE Networking Wireless Access Points – Delivering Wi-Fi7 coverage to indoor spaces and Wi-Fi6 coverage across the bowl, concourse, and outdoor spaces for seamless connectivity.
  • New Datacenter – Featuring cutting-edge infrastructure to support game-day operations, video replay, and broadcast needs.
  • 9,000 Strands of New Fiber Optics – Enabling high-speed data transfer for cameras, the scoreboard, and instant replay systems.
  • 35,000 Feet (6.63 Miles) of Fiber – Installed throughout the park to enhance stadium-wide connectivity and support critical operations.

Read more below:

Sutter Health Park unveils exciting upgrades ahead of historic A’s & River Cats Season

Upcoming 2025 Athletics Schedule

  • Thursday, March 27th-Sunday, March 30th – @ Seattle Mariners
  • Monday, March 31st-Wednesday, April 2nd – vs. Chicago Cubs
  • Friday, April 4th-Sunday, April 6th – @ Colorado Rockies
  • Monday, April 7th-Wednesday, April 9th – vs. San Diego Padres
  • Friday, April 11th-Sunday, April 13th – vs. New York Mets

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Frankie Cartoscelli Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast. Professional Background: Worked in professional sports… Read more

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