Oakland A's get a boost on July 2, 2025, as prospects Gage Jump & Tommy White head to the Futures Game and Zack Gelof & Miguel Andujar near their return.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For an Oakland Athletics team sitting at 35-52, any glimmer of hope is welcome. On Wednesday, that hope arrived in waves. While the A's prepare to face the Tampa Bay Rays, the biggest news is happening off the major league field, with key infielders nearing their return from injury and the farm system's brightest stars earning national recognition.
He's an elite pitcher.
The brightest news of the day comes from the farm system, where two of the organization's top prospects have been selected for the 2025 MLB Futures Game. Pitcher Gage Jump and infielder Tommy White will represent the A's in the prestigious showcase. Jump, in particular, has been turning heads with a dominant season, posting a ridiculous 1.91 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 42.1 innings at Double-A Midland. A's Minor League pitching coordinator Mike McFerran didn't mince words, calling the young hurler an 'elite pitcher'—a sign of the high hopes the organization has for him.
While the future looks good, immediate help is also on the horizon. Second baseman Zack Gelof, out since the literal start of the season with a stress reaction in his ribs, is reportedly playing full nine-inning games in Triple-A and could be activated soon. His return would be a massive boost. Joining him on the comeback trail is Miguel Andujar, who begins his rehab assignment tonight in Las Vegas after being sidelined with an oblique strain. The infield did suffer a minor setback when shortstop Jacob Wilson was scratched yesterday with hamstring soreness, but Manager Mark Kotsay called the move 'precautionary,' suggesting the A's dodged a serious issue.
With reinforcements looming, the current squad has a tough test tonight in Tampa Bay. The most compelling storyline is on the mound, where Jeffrey Springs is slated to start for Oakland against his former team. Revenge games always add a little extra spice. Springs will face off against Rays starter Shane Baz as the A's look to chip away at their 35-52 record and build some momentum.
To make room for returning players and adjust the current roster, the A's have been active with transactions. In recent days, the team recalled RHP Justin Sterner from Triple-A Las Vegas while optioning RHP Tyler Ferguson, C Willie MacIver, and OF JJ Bleday to the minors. These moves provide fresh arms and create the roster flexibility needed as players like Gelof and Andujar get closer to returning.
The A's 2025 season has been a struggle, but days like today offer a much-needed dose of optimism. The impending returns of Gelof and Andujar could transform the lineup, while the success of prospects like Jump and White proves the rebuild has legitimate, high-end talent on the way. Tonight, all eyes are on Jeffrey Springs to see if he can provide a more immediate spark against his former club.
