The Athletics' 2025 MLB season was dealt a tough blow before Opening Day.
Breakout star second baseman Zack Gelof will begin the season on the injured list after suffering a hook of the hamate fracture in his right hand, MLB Media's Martín Gallegos reported Sunday.
A’s second baseman Zack Gelof has a hook of the hamate fracture of his right hand. He will undergo surgery tomorrow in LA and will begin the season on the injured list.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) March 23, 2025
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While the loss of Gelof surely will be tough to overcome, it does open up an opportunity for one of the Athletics' top prospects to make their mark in the big leagues.
Infielder Max Muncy, the Athletic's No. 7 prospect, will make the Opening Day roster, Gallegos reported Sunday.
Muncy, not to be confused with the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger of the same name, was drafted No. 25 overall by the Athletics in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Muncy is hitting .289 with one home run and seven RBI in 38 spring training at-bats for the Athletics.
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The 22-year-old slashed .277/.373/.491 in 50 games for the Las Vegas Aviators last season, and now will seek to contribute to the Athletics' inaugural season in West Sacramento while the ball club's Las Vegas relocation progresses.
The Athletics begin the 2025 MLB season on Thursday night against the Seattle Mariners.