Athletics infielder exits game after hand injury on tag play

Athletics infielder Zack Gelof left Tuesday night's 3-1 loss in the second inning after sustaining a right hand laceration and contusion during a tag play at second base. The injury occurred as the opposing team's runner attempted to stretch an RBI single into a double.

The throw from left field reached the base ahead of the runner, who tried to avoid the tag without sliding. Gelof took the throw on his knees, appeared to slip, and placed his right hand on the ground as the runner's foot landed on it. Blood from three spike punctures was visible when Gelof pulled his hand away.

He jogged off the field immediately.

streak impact Team officials said X-rays were negative and Gelof did not require stitches. The injury ended his 24-game hitting streak, which equaled the longest streak in major league baseball over the past two seasons and ranked sixth in Athletics franchise history.

351 with five home runs and 12 RBIs during the streak. Manager Mark Kotsay said before the game that a change in Gelof's bat-angle approach contributed to his improved results this season. "We're seeing a player that resembles the guy that came up and really excited us about [his] future," Kotsay said.

" Gelof was unavailable for comment after the game. The Associated Press contributed to this report.