Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz is sidelined with an injured right thumb, and his return could be difficult for the remainder of the season. Multiple reports say manager Mark Kotsay addresses the situation ahead of the team’s game against Tampa Bay, noting medical steps that place limits on Kurtz’s mobility.
Kotsay says Kurtz needs to wear a brace for at least four weeks after a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on Aug. 4. The manager’s comments suggest the timeline for recovery and return work could push the possibility of playing meaningful time for a fourth-place team into question, especially with September as the remaining window.
While the extent of Kurtz’s absence is described similarly across outlets, coverage frames the likelihood of his return differently: one report states the injury could keep him out for the rest of the season, while another characterizes the situation as likely ending his season given the brace period.
