Gelof optioned to Triple-A to continue outfield transition

MESA, Ariz. -- The early looks at Zack Gelof as an outfielder looked promising this spring, and he will continue his development at the new position in the Minors to begin the regular season.

Gelof was one of two players optioned by the Athletics to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, trimming the club’s Spring Training roster to 32 players in camp. He appeared in six games this spring, including two as an outfielder -- right and center field -- and hit .278 (5-for-18) with a double.

Part of Gelof getting sent down was a shortage of time left to get ready. Finishing up his rehab from a dislocated left shoulder early in camp, Gelof did not debut in a game this spring until March 9.

With the A’s looking to increase Gelof’s versatility by playing the outfield, starting out in Triple-A allows him to get more reps out there and better acclimate himself.

“I expect Gelof to play everywhere,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “Meaning second base and all three outfield positions.”

Gelof wasted no time continuing his outfield preparation. He appeared in a Minor League game as the center fielder on Friday and will continue moving around different spots through the end of Minor League camp next week.

“Zack was playing center field and looked very comfortable and very natural out there in his movements,” Kotsay said. “He’s definitely taking to playing out there. He also hit a ball 111 mph [on Friday].”

The A’s like where Gelof was at with his swing this spring coming off an injury-riddled 2025. If he can carry that into the Minor League season, along with gaining more experience as an outfielder, Gelof could find himself back in the big leagues with a super utility role perhaps sooner rather than later.

Hernaiz the outfielder?
Thursday night’s game against the Mariners saw an unfamiliar position for Darell Hernaiz, who entered the game in the sixth as a defensive replacement in right field.

This was by design. The A’s would like to expand Hernaiz’s positional versatility by having him learn the outfield in addition to already playing shortstop, third and second base.

“Darell can do it,” Kotsay said. “He’s athletic enough. I heard him say to me that it’s just like going to run down a pass. It’s a football pass. You just have to go catch it.”

McNeil in center
Speaking of versatility, newcomer Jeff McNeil reminded everyone he’s more than just a second baseman by starting in center field for the A’s on Friday night against the Cubs. It was the first time playing outfield this spring for the 33-year-old veteran, who appeared in 342 games (297 starts) as an outfielder in his previous eight seasons with the Mets. It will also be the last.

“For Jeff, we talked when he came here about preparation for a season and how many games he felt he needed to play in the outfield to be ready,” Kotsay said. “His answer? 'One.'”

McNeil is expected to man second base on a regular basis for the A’s, but his ability to play the outfield is something they could utilize during the regular season in the right situations.

“It’s always nice to have those options,” Kotsay said. “Obviously, we have a very athletic center fielder in Denzel [Clarke]. But if there’s a need to go out there late in the game, [McNeil] is a viable option.”