A's tentatively keeping window open for Langeliers (knee) to return in September

WEST SACRAMENTO -- Shea Langeliers may not have played his last game for the Athletics this season after all.

After he underwent right knee surgery on July 28, the prevailing thought within the organization was that Langeliers would likely miss the remainder of the season. But the procedure -- a medial meniscectomy along with a PRP injection -- was less severe than what was originally expected to be a full repair of a torn meniscus, prompting the club to hold off on placing Langeliers on the 60-day IL to see how his recovery went.

About a month later, Langeliers has progressed well in his rehab, to the point where manager Mark Kotsay revealed before Friday night’s series opener against the Orioles that the A’s are leaving the door open for the All-Star catcher to return at some point in September.

“He and the doctors felt there was an opportunity for him to make it back,” Kotsay said. “He’s in line with that.”

Langeliers, who is slashing .263/.332/.497 with 23 homers over 93 games this season, would only return as a hitter, either getting some reps as the designated hitter or coming off the bench as a pinch-hitter.

“It won’t be in the catching position,” Kotsay said. “Whatever we can do to get him some at-bats before the season ends is great. If it aligns with him being healthy and strong and not jeopardizing anything going into the offseason by DHing, obviously, we’ll welcome him back.”

For his part, Langeliers is hopeful to play again this season in some capacity.

“If there’s any possibility of me coming back to play, I’d love to explore that avenue,” Langeliers said. “I don’t want to make any crazy decisions and [want to] make sure I am 100 percent if I do come back. I’m just following the guidance from the training staff and going from there.”