Elephant Rumblings: Zack Gelof making a solid first impression

News and notes from a busy Saturday around Major League Baseball.

There hasn’t been a whole lot to get excited about with the Oakland Athletics for the 2023 season, but rookie Zack Gelof’s debut is something to pay attention to. Gelof homered for the second straight day Saturday in the A’s big win over the Colorado Rockies. He also added two stolen bases, giving him five over the first 13 games of his career.

Gelof is slugging .529 and has a 130 wRC+ over his first 56 plate appearances. He was one of Oakland’s top prospects when he was promoted to the majors and is showing why with his well-rounded skills. Gelof seems to have fit seamlessly into the clubhouse and looks like a building block for the next good A’s team.

A’s Coverage

• Zack Gelof, Brent Rooker power A’s mile-high offense at Coors
• Mark Kotsay cherishes bond with mentor Bud Black

MLB News

• Mets ship Max Scherzer to Rangers after ace OKs trade
• Rule 5 pick Noah Song DFA’d by Phillies
• 50 steals, 24 HRs: Ronald Acuña Jr. eyes possible 40-40 season
• Marlins interested in Michael Lorenzen
• Brewers, Marlins interested in Eloy Jimenez
• Angels manager Phil Nevin suspended Saturday over outburst
• Blue Jays put closer Jordan Romano on IL with sore lower back
• Diamondbacks place Evan Longoria on 10-day IL
• Nolan Arenado staying put, Cards ‘building for our future success’
• Dodgers designate Phil Bickford for assignment.
• Corey Kluber shut down from baseball activities after setback
• Phillies interested in Adam Duvall

Best of Twitter

Zack Gelof’s second homer in as many days.

Brent Rooker with a long home run at Coors Field

Ramon Laureano doing it both offensively and defensively

Zack Gelof in pretty good company

Paul Blackburn was sharp in his final start before the trade deadline

Seth Brown on the advice he has given Oakland’s younger players

Mark Kotsay on Paul Blackburn’s outing Saturday night