MESA, Ariz. -- The Athletics are preparing for the possibility of an Opening Day without Zack Gelof.

Removed from Wednesday’s Cactus League game against the Guardians with a right hand contusion after getting hit by a pitch from reliever Paul Sewald, the A’s were hopeful Gelof could return to action within the next couple of days after precautionary X-rays came back negative. Before Saturday’s game against the Brewers at Hohokam Stadium, however, manager Mark Kotsay said there had been “no improvement” with the second baseman’s recovery over the previous two days.

“Still the same,” Kotsay said when asked Saturday morning for an update on Gelof. “We may look into getting further testing this afternoon.”

Gelof was spotted fielding grounders during batting practice prior to Thursday’s game against the D-backs, which seemed like an encouraging sign at the time. Following Friday’s game against the Royals, Kotsay said he believed that Gelof would likely be able to play through the issue if this was the regular season. But with the swelling on his right hand still apparent, the next step is likely an MRI to provide more clarity on what exactly he might be dealing with.

No player entered Spring Training with more to prove than Gelof, who was frustrated by his 2024 campaign in which he hit just .211 with a .632 OPS and led all American League hitters with 188 strikeouts. The year before, Gelof provided excitement for a rebuilding A’s club by reaching the Majors as a top prospect and hitting .267 with a .841 OPS, 14 home runs, 20 doubles, 32 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 69 games, performing as a 2.5 bWAR player over that stretch.

Gelof has been working closely with A’s director of hitting Darren Bush this spring on adjustments they believe could help him recapture that 2023 form. The early returns have been promising, as Gelof is 11-for-37 (.297) with two homers and a double through 15 Cactus League games.

It is unlikely that Gelof will get a chance to play again during Cactus League action, which concludes on March 24. The A’s plan to take as much time as possible, with Kotsay indicating the possibility for Gelof to potentially get some live at-bats in a simulated game on Wednesday, one day before the A’s open up the regular season against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park.

“It turned into a concern today,” Kotsay said of Gelof’s Opening Day status. “But we still have time. There’s still a cushion.”

Here’s a look at the A’s options for second base if Gelof has to start the season on the injured list:

Luis Urías
Signed to a one-year Major League deal at the beginning of Spring Training, Urías has seized an Opening Day roster spot with his strong camp. He entered Saturday batting .308 with a .900 OPS through 18 Cactus League games, and his defense has also stood out at second, third and shortstop.

“Urías has had a pretty solid camp,” Kotsay said. “I feel pretty confident with him being able to step in there.”

Max Schuemann
A late-bloomer who debuted last year at age 26, Schuemann took advantage of his opportunity by showing off his versatility as a super-utility player who can handle any position outside of pitcher and catcher.

"Schuemann’s versatility allows us to look at him as part of the mix as well,” Kotsay said. “From a depth standpoint, I think we’re covered.”

Max Muncy
The A’s No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has been one of the surprises of camp, entering Saturday hitting .314 (11-for-35) through 22 games. Muncy is also versatile, having logged time at shortstop, third and second base this spring, and an IL stint for Gelof could open the door for Muncy to break camp with the team for what would be his Major League debut.

“I’ll say this,” Kotsay said. “Max Muncy has done a great job. He’s leaving a great impression and building confidence that he’s knocking on the door to be here with this group.”