Nick Kurtz (thumb) could return later this week

When Kurtz was placed on the injured list on July 11th, the Athletics did not provide a timeline for his return. We still don’t have a timeline for his return, and we know that he is still unable to participate in baseball activities. The Athletics are firmly out of the playoff race, and might continue to lose ground with Kurtz out, so that might impact how aggressive the Athletics want to be in bringing him back quickly.

It’s another significant hit to the Athletics’ lineup, as Kurtz, who will also miss next week’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia, is likely facing a multi-week absence. His departure coincides with losing Brent Rooker to season-ending knee surgery and red-hot Zack Gelof to a knee laceration within the past two weeks. The lingering thumb issue certainly helps explain the 23-year-old on-base machine’s recent downturn at the plate as he went hitless over his final 20 at-bats and was batting .145 (8-for-55) with one home run across his last 15 games. He finishes the first half slashing .266/.405/.497 with 61 runs scored, 20 homers, 66 RBI and seven steals in 412 plate appearances across 92 games. A clearer timetable should emerge soon, but fantasy managers should be prepared for an extended absence given the nature of the injury.

Unfortunately, it sounds like the 23-year-old slugger will be heading to the injured list for this one. It’s unclear when Kurtz suffered the injury, as he exited Wednesday’s game due to illness but returned on Thursday and played the entirety of the game against the Tigers. While no move has been made yet, there’s still time for it to be done before Friday’s game starts. Fantasy managers may want to use an alternative for the weekend if possible. Joey Meneses will start in his place on Friday and could see extended action there if Kurtz winds up on the injured list.

Kurtz was pulled from Wednesday’s game in the second inning after he threw up in the team’s dugout, which caused his removal. He’s back at first base and batting second for the A’s against Tigers’ left-hander Framber Valdez on Thursday evening in Detroit.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay told reporters Kurtz was throwing up in the dugout which led to his removal from Wednesday’s game against the Tigers. The 23-year-old All-Star first baseman is the latest player to be sidelined by a stomach bug that has recently made its way through the Athletics clubhouse. The positive news is that he should be ready to return once he’s feeling better.

It’s a significant relief that Kurtz isn’t dealing with an injury after he appeared to jam his hand trying to field an errant throw from teammate Zack Gelof in the opening frame. He was replaced by Jeff McNeil at first base in the second inning. The 23-year-old on-base machine is slated to start next week’s All-Star Game at first base for the American League. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day heading into Thursday’s series finale in Detroit.

Kurtz is most deserving. He ranks first in the majors with 66 RBI and second in the AL with a .949 OPS. A’s Communications notes that, with Shea Lanegeliers catching, this will be the first time the franchise has had two All-Star starters since Rickey and David Henderson in 1991.

Kurtz led off the home half of the first inning with a single but wound up getting stranded at third. He then got the A’s on the board with his majestic 457-foot (112.9-mph EV) two-run shot off of Tyler Phillips in the third inning. Kurtz also walked in the contest. The 23-year-old slugger has been a revelation this season, slashing a monstrous .283/.425/.527 with 20 long balls and 66 RBI.

The A’s will get their superstar first baseman a breather with left-hander Sam Aldegheri on the slab for the Angels. Expect him to make an appearance off the bench should a key late-game situation arise. Joey Meneses will start in his place at first base and will bat second for the A’s on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles.

Kurtz also had a 370-foot flyout to left that would have been a homer in 16 ballparks, according to Statcast. He’s hitting .261/.393/.602 with nine homers this month, and though he’s not a finalist in the AL All-Star balloting in first base, it would be quite the shocker if he doesn’t represent the A’s next month.