Oakland A's second baseman Zack Gelof was pulled from Wednesday's game against the Yankees due to abdominal soreness, marking his first missed game of the season, with JJ Bleday now the sole Athletic to have started every game. Gelof's injury specifics remain undisclosed, but the team hopes it won't necessitate an IL stint. Gelof's performance in 2024 has been lackluster compared to last year, with a notable decline in hitting and impacting the ball, particularly struggling against off-speed pitches.

• Gelof is hitting .196/.260/.337 with three homers and four steals in 2024.
• His strikeout rate has increased from 27.3% in 2023 to 32.7% this season.
• Whiff rate against off-speed pitches has risen from 36.8% to 53.6% in 2024.
• Contact rate on pitches outside the zone dropped from 50.3% last year to 38.8% this year.

While Gelof's performance has been subpar this year, his reduced chase rate outside the strike zone is a potential silver lining amidst his struggles.

• Gelof's status remains uncertain, with questions on whether he will require rest or possibly an IL stint.
• The Athletics rely on Gelof in their lineup, and any prolonged absence would further strain their struggling offense.

Gelof's recovery and ability to adjust his approach against off-speed pitches will be crucial for his performance and the team's success moving forward.

Gelof's abdominal injury raises concerns amidst his underwhelming performance in 2024, highlighting the need for him to adapt his hitting approach to avoid further setbacks and improve his contribution to the team.