Zack Gelof returns, but the A's fall to the Guardians 8-2 on July 20, 2025. Despite Gelof's activation, Jeffrey Springs struggles as Oakland's offense sputters.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of conflicting emotions for A's fans. The good news arrived before the first pitch: Zack Gelof, the dynamic heart of the infield, was officially back from the 60-day IL. The bad news followed over the next nine innings, as the Oakland offense fell flat in an 8-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, sealing another series defeat.
The loss dropped the Athletics' record to 41-59, keeping them firmly in 5th place in the AL West.
The final game of the series felt decided early. A's starter Jeffrey Springs (8-6) couldn't find his rhythm, surrendering multiple runs and putting the team in a hole they couldn't climb out of. On the other side, Guardians hurler Gavin Williams was in complete control, effectively silencing the Oakland bats. The A's managed just two runs, a testament to a tough day at the plate where consistent threats were few and far between. The Cleveland bullpen slammed the door, making the 8-2 final feel like an insurmountable gap.
The biggest win of the weekend for the A's didn't happen on the field. The official activation of Zack Gelof is a massive development. Sidelined with a frustrating right hamate surgery, his energy and production have been sorely missed. While his return didn't immediately translate to a team victory, having him back in the lineup is crucial for the team's present and, more importantly, its future. To make room on the roster, catcher Jhonny Pereda was designated for assignment, a necessary move to bring back a cornerstone player.
In other roster news that bodes well for the future, left-hander Ken Waldichuk was also activated from the 60-day IL. He was immediately optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas, a standard move for a pitcher needing to build back his arm strength and innings after a long layoff. While fans won't see him in Oakland just yet, his progress is a positive sign for a pitching staff that can always use more depth. His performance with the Aviators will be closely watched as a potential late-season call-up.
While the sting of another loss and a sub-.500 record is real, Sunday wasn't a total wash. The return of Zack Gelof provides a jolt of excitement and hope for the rest of the season. As the team heads home to regroup, the focus will be on integrating Gelof back into the lineup and hoping his presence can ignite an offense that desperately needs a spark. The wins may be tough to come by, but watching the young core develop is the story to follow.
