The A’s reinstated Shea Langeliers from the 15-day IL ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Mariners. The All-Star catcher has been out since late July with a torn meniscus in his right knee. Infielder Darell Hernaiz was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Langeliers was feared to be lost for the year after undergoing a meniscectomy. Instead, he’ll return after missing about six weeks. Langeliers is DHing and batting cleanup tonight. He’s expected to only DH for the rest of the season.

The knee injury halted another stellar campaign for Langeliers. The 28-year-old has a 123 wRC+ across 416 plate appearances this season. He’s popped 23 home runs and had an outside chance of topping his career high of 31 in 2025 before the injury.

Langeliers has been a premier power threat at his position since becoming a regular in 2023. The step forward this season has come behind the plate. Langeliers has been a positive defender for the first time as a big leaguer. After three straight seasons posting -10 Defensive Runs Saved or worse, he’s at 1 DRS in 2026. Statcast’s fielding metrics don’t like him as much (-4 Fielding Run Value, 11th percentile in Framing), but he’s made some strides as a defender.

The A’s have frequently handed out extensions in recent seasons. The club has inked outfielder Lawrence Butler, shortstop Jacob Wilson, outfielder Tyler Soderstrom, and designated hitter Brent Rooker to long-term deals recently. Langeliers isn’t on the list yet, but the team did have those talks heading into the season. That was under former general manager David Forst, who was fired in August, so it’s unclear if discussions will reignite with Langeliers. The backstop has two years of team control remaining after this season.

Hernaiz has picked up part-time work with the A’s the past three seasons. He broke camp with the club this year, but has been up and down multiple times. Hernaiz has a 66 wRC+ in 56 games this season. His primary value has come through defensive versatility. He’s picked up at least a dozen appearances at second base, third base, and shortstop. Hernaiz also made his first foray into the grass as a pro, playing two innings in right field.

Photo courtesy of Dennis Lee, Imagn Images