Athletics Call Up Tommy White for MLB Debut Against Nationals

.303 is the batting average that carried Tommy White from Triple-A Las Vegas to his first major league opportunity. The Athletics are promoting the 23-year-old corner infielder, with his debut expected Friday against the Washington Nationals. The move gives the A's another look at a young hitter while injuries have opened playing time at first base, third base and designated hitter.

The Bottom Line

• White is expected to make his MLB debut Friday in the Athletics' series opener against Washington.
• He hit .303/.345/.489 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs in 55 games for Triple-A Las Vegas.
• The Athletics selected him with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
• Injuries to Nick Kurtz and Zack Gelof could create immediate opportunities around the corner infield.
• White produced 48 home runs and 175 RBIs during two seasons at LSU.

Breaking It Down

The promotion follows a rapid rise through the Athletics' system. White was drafted in 2024 after a college career in which his bat made him one of the country's most productive hitters. Across three college seasons, he posted a .355 batting average, a .419 on-base percentage and a .704 slugging percentage.

His professional numbers have been steadier than spectacular, but his ability to make contact has continued to stand out. White owns a .279/.337/.430 line across 860 professional plate appearances. At Las Vegas this season, he struck out in only 14% of his plate appearances, though his 4.8% walk rate reflects the aggressive approach that followed him from college into the minors.

The roster opening developed as the Athletics optioned Joey Meneses and Brian Serven to Triple-A while preparing to activate utilityman Donovan Walton. White was not on the 40-man roster, but Brent Rooker, who is out for the season, can be transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear a spot.

Where White plays may depend on the team's injury situation. Nick Kurtz is on the injured list, and CBS Sports also reported Zack Gelof is sidelined with a knee injury. White has played both first and third base, and he could receive at-bats as the designated hitter. His strongest immediate matchup may come against left-handed pitching: he has hit .376/.438/.576 against lefties this season.

Why This Matters

For the Athletics, the call-up is both a response to short-term roster needs and another step toward evaluating the organization's younger core. The team entered the All-Star break at 41-55 after losing nine of its final 10 games, according to On3. White joins a roster already featuring young players such as Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz.

The debut also carries significance for LSU baseball followers. White helped the Tigers win the 2023 national championship and delivered a walk-off home run in the 11th inning against Wake Forest to send LSU to the championship series. He later finished his LSU career with 48 home runs, 36 doubles and 175 RBIs across 132 games.

His defense will be a major part of the evaluation. White committed 18 errors in 77 games at third base last year, then reduced that total to seven errors in 51 games this season. His fielding percentage improved from .921 at Double-A to .956 with Las Vegas, evidence that his daily work at the position has translated into measurable progress.

“It’s been a night and day difference. I feel like I’m ready for whatever baseball is hit to me.”

What Comes Next

White is expected to debut Friday when the Athletics open their series against Washington. His early playing time could come primarily at first base, though third base and designated hitter remain possibilities depending on the lineup and the health of Kurtz and Gelof.

The first stretch of games will show whether White's high-contact approach can translate against major league pitching. It will also give the Athletics a closer look at whether his improved defense can support regular work at third base.