Athletics Rookie Nick Kurtz Exits Game With Oblique Soreness

Athletics rookie slugger Nick Kurtz was removed from a game against the Texas Rangers due to right oblique soreness, an injury that often leads to time on the injured list, though the team hopes to avoid that. Kurtz, 22, has had a standout season, hitting .308 with 27 home runs and 70 RBIs, earning him heavy favoritism to win the American League Rookie of the Year award. He made history earlier in the season by becoming the first rookie and first Athletics player to hit four home runs in a single game, matching the MLB record for total bases in that game. Despite his injury, Kurtz showed resilience by scoring a run before leaving the game in the fourth inning. The Athletics are building a promising future around young talents like Kurtz and shortstop Jacob Wilson, though the team is still on pace to miss the playoffs for the fifth straight season. The club will provide updates as they monitor Kurtz's condition.