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- A’s All-Star Nick Kurtz will undergo an MRI on his left forearm Thursday.
- If the MRI shows more than a bruise, Kurtz could be placed on the injured list.
- A’s ace J.T. Ginn, on the injured list, threw live pitches before Wednesday’s game.
Athletics All-Star first baseman Nick Kurtz will get an MRI on his left forearm Thursday morning after being hit by a pitch Wednesday night, as initial X-rays of his arm Wednesday were inconclusive, A’s manager Mark Kotsay said.
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Kurtz exited Wednesday’s 4-2 home loss to the Boston Red Sox in the second inning after he was hit by a 95-mph sinker from Boston starter Patrick Sandoval in his first at-bat of the game. The A’s initially reported the injury as a “left forearm contusion.”
After getting hit, Kurtz crouched and went to a knee in pain before Kotsay and a team trainer walked with him to first base. Kurtz stayed in the game as a baserunner but was pulled before going back out on defense.
If the MRI shows anything beyond a standard bruise, Kurtz could find himself on the injured list as soon as Thursday.
“We’re hoping for the best,” Kotsay said.
How has Kurtz been doing?
Wednesday’s contest was just Kurtz’s fifth back from a right thumb capsule sprain that forced him to miss a scheduled start in the All-Star Game and landed him on the injured list for about two weeks earlier this month.
Kurtz, 23, has been one of the best hitters in the league over the last two seasons, becoming the unanimous 2025 American League Rookie of the Year and launching himself into MVP talks this season, primarily before the thumb injury.
In 96 games this season, Kurtz is slashing .260/.398/.491 with an .889 on-base plus slugging percentage, 21 home runs and 15 doubles. He has the 11th-best OPS in the league, among the best power numbers across the board and the third-most walks in the MLB.
More injury updates: Ginn throws to Gelof and Clarke
Kurtz’s injury comes as the A’s continue to deal with a plethora of injuries to many of their key contributors.
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Two-time All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker, 2026 All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers and reliever Mark Leiter Jr. are all likely out for the season, while rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (ruptured testicle) and starter Luis Severino (shoulder strain) are still on extended IL stints.
However, it wasn’t all negative injury news for the A’s on Wednesday.
Before the game, A’s ace J.T. Ginn threw 30 live pitches on the field to hitters Zack Gelof, Denzel Clarke and Carlos Cortes, a major step in his recovery from a blister on his right middle finger that has sidelined him for about a week.
Kotsay said Ginn, who holds a 3.46 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 22 appearances this season, felt good after the session and is expected to return to the A’s rotation soon. Ginn will throw a bullpen Saturday before a final decision is made.
“He was confident and didn’t feel anything,” Kotsay said. “That’s a good sign.”
Gelof (right knee laceration) and Clarke (left hamstring strain) are both nearing the end of hitting progressions as they prepare to come off the injured list.
Gelof, who started his second IL stint of the season on July 10, is expected to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday if his recovery goes to plan, according to Kotsay.
Before his first injury, a right hand laceration after being cleated, Gelof was on a 24-game hitting streak and had established himself as one of the A’s best hitters. In 67 games and almost 250 plate appearances, Gelof held an .802 OPS and had mashed 11 home runs and 11 doubles while striking out less frequently than in previous seasons.
Clarke, known for his stellar defense in center field, only appeared in 22 games this season before landing on the IL on April 22 with his hamstring injury.
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