Overview
- Nick Kurtz hit first in his Cactus League debut, mirroring an order Oakland used late last year against Cleveland in a 6-0 loss.
- Mark Kotsay said the lineup is not set but reiterated that giving his best hitter the most plate appearances has value.
- Spring lineups are doubling as evaluation tools, with early placement designed to front-load at-bats before regulars exit.
- Kurtz’s 2025 splits show greater production batting second or third than first, highlighting a tradeoff the staff is weighing.
- Kurtz, last season’s AL Rookie of the Year with a .290 average, 36 homers and a 1.002 OPS, says he is comfortable hitting anywhere and has voiced a long-term commitment to the A’s as they build toward Las Vegas.