Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz to miss All-Star Game with thumb injury

Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz was placed on the 10‑day injured list because of a right thumb capsule strain, forcing him to miss next Tuesday’s All‑Star Game in Philadelphia. Kurtz, the American League starter after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. withdrew, has been batting .266 with 20 home runs and 66 RBIs, second‑most in the AL. He exited Wednesday’s game against Detroit after 1½ innings, initially cited as illness, but later showed discomfort while fielding a throw.

Manager Mark Kotsay explained, “We had Kurtz evaluated because he’s been dealing with a right thumb issue,” and indicated the injury will likely keep him out of the All‑Star Game. The Athletics also placed infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof on the 10‑day IL with a knee injury and recalled first baseman/outfielder Joey Meneses from Triple‑A Las Vegas.

The move ends Kurtz’s first All‑Star appearance, which would have been in his home state of Pennsylvania.