Nick Kurtz Leaves Game With Forearm Contusion, Set for MRI on Thursday

Nick Kurtz’s return from the injured list lasted just five games. The Athletics’ All-Star first baseman was struck on the left hand/forearm area by a 94.9 mph sinker from Boston left-hander Patrick Sandoval in the bottom of the first inning Wednesday night. After crouching in pain, he was checked by manager Mark Kotsay and trainer Jeff Collins, remained in the game as a baserunner, and was then replaced on defense by Jeff McNeil at the start of the second. The club initially diagnosed the injury as a left forearm contusion, but an X-ray was inconclusive.

Injury update

The A’s plan to have Kurtz undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity of the contusion and whether structural damage exists. “We’re going to have an MRI done in the morning,” Kotsay said after the 4-2, 10-inning loss to the Red Sox. “The X-ray is kind of unclear right now. We’re hoping for the best.” If the MRI reveals a fracture or significant soft-tissue damage, Kurtz could land back on the injured list for a second time this season. He had just returned from a right thumb capsule sprain that sidelined him from July 10-24.

Kurtz’s standout season

Before the injury, Kurtz was putting together a strong sophomore campaign. The reigning American League Rookie of the Year entered Wednesday slashing .260/.398/.491 with 21 home runs and 69 RBIs. Despite missing two weeks with the thumb issue, he ranked third in MLB in walks (77), third in on-base percentage (.398), tied for 10th in RBIs, and 11th in OPS (.889). His power and plate discipline have made him the anchor of Oakland’s lineup. Any extended absence would strip the A’s of their most productive hitter.

Athletics injury crisis

Kurtz is the latest addition to a long list of key Athletics players lost to injury this season. Sluggers Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers are both out for the year. Wednesday’s game was also without several other regulars. The team has struggled to sustain winning streaks, and losing Kurtz would further thin a lineup that relies heavily on his middle-of-the-order presence.

What’s next

If Kurtz lands on the IL, the A’s have several internal options at first base. McNeil, Jonah Heim, and No. 7 prospect Tommy White could see increased time there. Triple-A Las Vegas also has infielders Max Muncy, Darell Hernaiz, Joey Meneses, and Jonathan Ornelas available. Kotsay said the club will make a decision after the MRI results come in. The A’s have lost 10 of their last 14 games and are fighting to stay competitive in the AL West.

Game note

Despite losing Kurtz, the A’s nearly won Wednesday. Starter Jacob Lopez allowed two runs (one earned) over 5 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts. Lawrence Butler crushed a 422-foot solo home run in the fifth inning and nearly walked it off in the ninth with a drive off Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman that bounced off the top of the center-field wall for a double. Butler was stranded at third. Boston scored two runs in the 10th off José Suarez to take the game. “I think we’re playing the type of baseball we played at the beginning of the year,” Kotsay said. “We had a chance to win against one of the best closers. It’s good to be competitive, but we also need to win those games.”

Source: MLB.com – “Kurtz (forearm contusion) to undergo additional testing after HBP forces exit” https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-kurtz-left-forearm-injury