A’s catcher Shea Langeliers began a Minor League rehab assignment on Thursday night as he nears a return from a torn meniscus in his right knee. He played in Triple-A Las Vegas’ game against Sacramento at Las Vegas Ballpark.
Here’s what you need to know:
How did Langeliers perform?
Langeliers went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored as the Aviators’ designated hitter.
What’s next?
After Langeliers was able to run the bases at Sutter Health Park prior to the Athletics’ game against the Blue Jays last Tuesday, manager Mark Kotsay said that barring a setback, the 28-year-old slugger could return to the A’s as soon as the beginning of their six-game road trip against Tampa Bay and Cleveland on Tuesday.
Kotsay also said that the club will be cautious with Langeliers, who was initially not expected to return to Major League action this season. While Langeliers’ recovery has been ahead of schedule, the A’s will not play him as a catcher, but instead only as a DH or off the bench as a pinch-hitter.
What are they saying?
Kotsay said that Langeliers returning to the field prior to the end of this season is a significant step.
“It’s a great start for him going into the offseason knowing that the knee is good and solid,” Kotsay said. “He’s ready to go. … Just to have the ability to go get at-bats and finish the season says a lot about Shea’s character, his work ethic and the healing process for him. There’s a lot of excitement around that for us.”
What else?
Prior to the injury, Langeliers was putting together another strong season at the plate. In 416 plate appearances, he produced a .263/.332/.497 slash line with 23 home runs. He was also selected as an All-Star for the first time in his career.
Langeliers has also proven to be one of the better defensive catchers in the Majors -- he ranked in the 90th percentile this season for average pop time and the 75th percentile for caught stealing above average.