Athletics Injury Updates: Kurtz, Gelof & more

The Athletics’ season has unraveled since the calendar flipped to May, and a growing list of injuries has only made the climb back into contention more difficult.

After a promising start, the A’s have gone 25-43 since the beginning of May, contributing to a dramatic slide in the standings.

They now sit 15 games under .500, 8.5 games out of the American League Wild Card race, and 8 games back in the AL West as they continue to navigate a lengthy injured list featuring several key contributors.

Athletics Injury Report: July 20, 2026

The club provided updates on multiple injured players Monday, with outfielder Denzel Clarke among those making progress in his recovery.

Clarke, who is on the 60-day injured list with a left hamstring strain, is currently rehabbing in Sacramento. The rookie continues to advance through running, throwing and swinging progressions as he works toward a return.

Infielder Zack Gelof is also trending in a positive direction after suffering a right knee laceration. Gelof has begun range-of-motion exercises, and the Athletics said his sutures are scheduled to be removed on July 21.

Once that occurs, he will begin baseball activities as tolerated.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 30: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics trots around the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Yankees in the bottom of the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park on May 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Not every update brought encouraging news.

First baseman Nick Kurtz remains limited after spraining the capsule in his right thumb. The slugger is currently participating only in range-of-motion and strengthening exercises, with no baseball activities announced at this point.

Veteran designated hitter Brent Rooker recently underwent successful surgery on July 17 to debride an articular cartilage tear and remove loose bodies from his left knee. Rooker had previously landed on the 60-day injured list with what was initially diagnosed as a bone bruise.

Rooker is likely to miss the remainder of the season.

On the pitching side, Luis Severino continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from a right shoulder strain. A repeat MRI performed on July 17 showed healing in both the shoulder capsule and subscapularis muscle.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 29, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The veteran right-hander has advanced to plyometric exercises and is expected to begin a throwing progression soon.

Right-hander Brooks Kriske also took another step forward, throwing his second bullpen session as he recovers from a right shoulder impingement that was diagnosed as a posterior capsule sprain with internal impingement.

Justin Sterner’s recovery, however, remains on hold. An MRI performed Monday revealed wear and tear of the articular cartilage on the medial femoral condyle in his right knee, diagnosed as chondromalacia.

The right-hander is not participating in any baseball activities.

Meanwhile, Gunnar Hoglund will not return this season. The young right-hander underwent successful surgery on his left hip on May 19 in Vail, Colorado, to address a lumbar strain and left hip impingement. He remains sidelined for the rest of the 2026 campaign.

More MLB content from Sactown Sports

• Athletics Injury Updates: Kurtz, Gelof & more

• 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

• Friday, July 17th – Sunday, July 19th – vs. Washington Nationals
• Monday, July 20th – Wednesday, July 22nd – @ Arizona Diamondbacks
• Friday, July 24th – Sunday, July 26th – @ Minnesota Twins
• Monday, July 27th – Thursday, July 30th – vs. Boston Red Sox
• Friday, July 31st – Sunday, August 2nd – vs. Detroit Tigers

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Kings Announce 2026-27 Preseason Schedule and Broadcast TeamComparing Darius Acuff Jr.’s Summer League to NBA star guardsFaithful Flashbacks #38: Montana’s First Start49ers announce signing of P Jack BouwmeesterFarewell, Las Vegas: Kings takeaways from NBA Summer LeagueFaithful Flashbacks #39: Bill Walsh Steps Away