Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers out for season

The Oakland Athletics face the potential season-ending loss of All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers, dealing a severe blow to a team already mired in a prolonged slump. Langeliers, 28, suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during a game against the Minnesota Twins on Friday, July 24, and was placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday, July 26.

The injury could require surgery, which would end Langeliers's 2026 season. The team is evaluating the situation to determine the best course of treatment and recovery, according to Athletics manager Mark Kotsay. Langeliers, who started for the American League in the recent All-Star Game, is batting .263 with 23 home runs and 51 RBIs this season, leading AL catchers in both homers and hits (99). His absence removes a central offensive and defensive piece during a difficult stretch for the club.

The Athletics have lost 23 of their past 29 games, falling to 17 games below .500 after being at the break-even mark on June 19. The injury compounds existing roster challenges, as the team has already lost several key players, including Brent Rooker to season-ending knee surgery. With Langeliers out, backup catcher Jonah Heim, a former All-Star,...