Kurtz's MRI comes back clean after getting hit on the forearm
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WEST SACRAMENTO – The baseball gods finally showed some mercy on the Athletics for once amid this injury-riddled season.
Fearing another potential stint on the injured list for Nick Kurtz less than a week since he came off it after he exited Wednesday’s game against the Red Sox with a left forearm contusion, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year and All-Star first baseman was back in the starting lineup and batting leadoff for the A’s in Thursday’s series finale against Boston.
Following Wednesday’s loss, A’s manager Mark Kotsay said X-rays on Kurtz’s left forearm were “kind of unclear.” On Thursday morning, Kurtz underwent an MRI, which came back clear of any serious injury.
“Everything was clean on the MRI,” Kotsay said. “Outside of just the bruising in the area, he feels strong and feels good. We escaped one there.”
The news is an obvious huge sigh of relief for the A’s, as Kurtz has been putting together a strong sophomore campaign, entering Thursday slashing .260/.399/.491 (.890 OPS) with 21 home runs and 69 RBIs. Even with time missed due to injury, Kurtz ranks third in the Majors in walks (77), third in on-base percentage, is tied for 11th in RBIs and ranks 11th in OPS.