Athletics place All-Star Nick Kurtz on injured list with thumb sprain

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right thumb sprain, ruling him out of a starting role in next week’s American League All-Star team.

The roster move is retroactive to Friday, meaning the 23-year-old was absent during a commanding 14-1 defeat to the Chicago White Sox.

Neither the injured slugger nor Athletics manager Mark Kotsay were available to speak to reporters following the announcement.

Rookie of the year sidelined again

This latest setback marks the second time the reigning American League rookie of the year has landed on the injured list, having previously missed time with a strained left hip flexor in May 2025.

Before sustaining the thumb injury, the prolific hitter was enjoying another stellar campaign with a .266 batting average, 20 home runs, and 66 runs batted in.

His exceptional discipline at the plate has also been evident this season, as he currently leads the league with 76 walks.

Serven called up as reinforcement

In a corresponding transaction to provide immediate squad cover, catcher Brian Serven has been recalled from Triple-A affiliate Las Vegas.

The 29-year-old brings parts of four seasons of major league experience, though he holds a modest career batting average of .188 across those appearances.

However, the backup catcher arrives in Chicago in strong minor league form, having hit .308 with 18 doubles and seven home runs in 55 games for Las Vegas this year.