Athletics Announce Nick Kurtz News After Leaving Rangers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 11:27 PM ET

The Athletics haven't given fans much to cheer about recently, as they're on pace to miss the playoffs for the fifth straight season. However, their young talent is among the best in baseball.

Rookie first baseman Nick Kurtz is already raking in the big leagues despite being drafted in July 2024. The No. 4 overall pick entered Friday's bout with the Texas Rangers slashing .309/.401/.634 with 27 homers and 70 RBI over 93 games, averaging slightly less than a home run every three contests.

Kurtz also became the 20th MLB player in history to hit four homers in a game on July 25. The 22-year-old is also the first rookie and first Athletics player to do so.

Unfortunately, Friday wasn't as fruitful, as Kurtz left in the top of the fourth with an injury.

It was initially hard to tell what happened to Kurtz. He walked in the third inning and scored a run, but was replaced defensively to start the fourth. As fans were clamoring for an update, the A’s announced some news.

Per the team, Kurtz left with right oblique soreness (via Jessica Kleinschmidt of Baseball America).

Kurtz finished the game 0-for-1 with a walk, a run scored, and a strikeout. The contest snapped a three-game hit streak for the 6-foot-5-inch, 240-pounder.

Nick Kurtz left the game with right oblique soreness per A’s.
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) August 30, 2025

Oblique injuries are common in baseball, and can often sideline players for several weeks. While the severity of Kurtz' oblique issue is not yet known, there is understandable concern among the fanbase as he has been one of the most productive hitters in baseball this season.

The No. 1 overall pick in Kurtz' draft, Cleveland Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana, missed nearly two months of MiLB action earlier this season with an oblique strain — which shows the potential timeline of such injuries. There is no word yet on whether Kurtz will miss any time, as for now the team is calling it soreness.

Kurtz worked his way from Single-A to Double-A before starting the 2025 season at Triple-A. The Athletics then called him up on April 21 after just 32 minor-league games.

The club also has 23-year-old shortstop Jacob Wilson, who entered Friday slashing .311/.353/.803 with 12 homers and 53 RBI over 99 contests. While it's not yet ready to contend, it has a bright future with these two players in the lineup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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