Overview
- A’s manager Mark Kotsay said Tuesday that Kurtz will wear a brace with no mobility for about four weeks following a platelet-rich plasma injection, a timeline that makes a late-season return unlikely.
- The injury was described as a re-aggravation of a right thumb capsule sprain with an acute-on-chronic volar plate tear, and Kurtz received the PRP injection on Aug. 4.
- Kurtz is the A’s All-Star first baseman and their primary offensive player in 2026, with 21 home runs and team-leading counting stats through roughly 99 games.
- Oakland has covered first base with short-term moves, including platooning Jeff McNeil and rookie Tommy White and recalling veterans such as Max Muncy while juggling other roster needs.
- With the A’s well out of contention, the club is expected to protect Kurtz for 2027 readiness rather than rush him back, and his absence gives younger players expanded big-league opportunities this month.