Elephant Rumblings: A’s Minor League Check-in on Jackie Robinson Day

Q: What is Jackie Robinson Day and how do MLB teams celebrate it?

Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated on April 15, honoring the legacy of Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in Major League Baseball, with all MLB teams wearing his number, 42.

Q: What is Zack Gelof's performance in his MLB debut for the Athletics?

In his MLB debut, Zack Gelof struck out twice and recorded a sacrifice bunt, while playing right field in a game against the Texas Rangers.

Q: How did the Athletics perform in their recent games leading up to Jackie Robinson Day?

The Athletics started the season 1-5 but rebounded with a five-game winning streak, finishing their first 15 games with an 8-8 record.

Q: Why is Brent Rooker not playing for the Athletics?

Brent Rooker is on the injured list due to an oblique strain, prompting the Athletics to promote Zack Gelof from Triple-A.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Zack Gelof #20 of the Athletics strikes out in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Sutter Health Park on April 13, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy Wednesday, A’s fans. Today, the Athletics—and every other MLB team—will wear No. 42 in honor of the legendary Jackie Robinson.

After beginning the season 1-5, the Athletics responded with a five-game winning streak to finish their challenging opening 15-game stretch at an even 8-8. That streak came to an end Monday in the opener of the team’s second home series against the Texas Rangers. Having spent the majority of the season on the road, this weeklong home stand offers a chance to settle in and pick up some wins at Sutter Health Park.

With Brent Rooker on the injured list due to an oblique strain, the A’s have already tapped into their organizational depth. Zack Gelof earned a promotion from the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators after batting .366 with four home runs and 10 RBIs. Primarily a second baseman, Gelof also received playing time in the outfield in Triple-A. He made his first MLB start in right field yesterday in the A’s 2-1 bounce-back victory over the Texas Rangers. Gelof did not make a catch; the only ball hit his way was Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo’s double. At the plate, he struck out twice, with a sacrifice bunt in between.

Gelof may not be the last call-up from Las Vegas. Outfielder Colby Thomas and catcher Brian Serven are also hitting well and both could be in line for opportunities this season.

On the pitching side, reliever Joel Kuhnel has impressed with two saves in two opportunities, while fellow call-up Jack Perkins has also helped stabilize the bullpen. Notably, the A’s have yet to place a pitcher on the injured list this season. When that changes, pitching prospects Kade Morris and Gage Jump could be candidates for their MLB debuts.

At Double-A Midland, top prospect Leo De Vries grabbed headlines Sunday with his first two home runs of the season. He will likely be promoted to Las Vegas at some point this year, and if he continues to play well, a jump to the majors is not out of the question. Third baseman Tommy White and left-handed pitchers Jamie Arnold and Wei-en Lin are also worth monitoring.

Further down the system, High-A Lansing pitchers Zane Taylor and Steven Echavarria stand out, along with outfielder Devin Taylor, the A’s second-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft. In Low-A Stockton, 18-year-old Venezuelan outfielder Breyson Guedez is trending up after an impressive spring. Following his 450-foot home run off San Diego Padres starter Michael King during Cactus League play, Guedez has carried that momentum into the season, tallying 12 hits in his first 41 at-bats.

Overall, the Athletics possess promising talent at every level of the organization, a positive sign as the franchise prepares for its move to Las Vegas in 2028.

How often do you expect the A’s to rely on minor league reinforcements this season? And which prospect do you think will make the biggest impact?

A’s Coverage:

MLB News and Interest:

Best of X:

Left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs continued his early-season dominance last night. It seems like the A’s have a strong chance to win every time he takes the mound.

19-year-old elite shortstop prospect Leo De Vries is heating up at Double-A. He had two more hits last night. How long should the Athletics keep him on the Midland Rockhounds before promoting him to Triple-A?

Today is a special day in baseball, as the sport honors the man who heroically broke MLB’s color line. However, more work still needs to be done, as A’s right fielder Lawrence Butler is among the small percentage—about 6.8%—of African American players in Major League Baseball