Nick Kurtz's Return This Season Unlikely Due to Injury

Nick Kurtz's season with the Oakland Athletics is likely over due to a right thumb injury. A's manager Mark Kotsay indicated that Kurtz will be immobilized for the entirety of August following a platelet-rich plasma injection.

Kurtz has experienced thumb pain since mid-July and was previously placed on the injured list from July 10 to July 25 due to a thumb capsule sprain. After a brief return, he managed only one hit in seven games before being sidelined again.

The A's have struggled significantly in Kurtz's absence, with a record of 9-34 since mid-June. While pitching issues have contributed to their decline, the team's batting average has also suffered. Kurtz had a strong start to the season, ranking among the top offensive players before his injury.