​Playing for the continually shifting Athletics, Nick Kurtz hasn’t had the luxury of big-market spotlight, yet he still secured national recognition early in his major-league journey. A historic four-homer performance helped power his American League Rookie of the Year bid last season, and it seemed he might seize the moment again this year by earning a starting nod at first base for the AL in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Unfortunately for Kurtz, that All-Star debut will have to wait. The 23-year-old outfielder-turned-first-baseman has been sidelined for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia due to a right thumb issue that landed him on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Friday.
The Athletics described the setback as a right thumb capsule sprain, and the development prevents Kurtz from becoming the franchise’s first All-Star Game starting first baseman since Jason Giambi did so in 2000. That prior honor came after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays opted out of his selection. In Kurtz’s absence, Chicago White Sox center fielder Tristan Peters will take the AL roster’s starting first-base spot at this year’s All-Star Game.
Meanwhile, the A’s roster will reflect Kurtz’s absence with catcher Brian Serven recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill the vacant roster spot. Peters now represents one of three White Sox players on the AL squad, joining third baseman Miguel Vargas and first baseman Munetaka Murakami. Peters, a first-time All-Star, highlighted his season by hitting for the cycle in a 14-1 triumph against the A’s on Friday night in Chicago.
Before that game, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay disclosed the extent of Kurtz’s thumb issue. “We had Kurtz evaluated because he’s been dealing with a right thumb issue,” Kotsay explained, per MLB.com. “He’s played through it for, I don’t want to quote the timeline, but more than a few days. … We’re expecting him to have to go to the IL, which, obviously, will impact the All-Star Game. Once we really determine that, we’ll have more info.” The news further complicated an Athletics lineup that has already faced adversity this season.
The A’s also saw utility player Zack Gelof join Kurtz on the injured list, suffering a right knee laceration after colliding with a side wall in foul territory while making a spectacular grab during a 4-1 road loss to the Detroit Tigers. Gelof’s injury, announced earlier in the week, limited the team’s depth just as they were trying to rebound from a string of setbacks.
Heading into Saturday’s clash with the White Sox, Oakland had endured seven consecutive losses. The team had been hovering around a .500 record—36-36 earlier in the season—but had slipped to 5-17 since, underscoring the challenges of a roster riddled with injuries and inconsistent performances. The absence of Kurtz, coupled with Gelof’s injury, left the Athletics shorthanded and forced other players to step into larger roles on a team desperately seeking stability and momentum.
Kurtz’s injury also complicates the organization’s All-Star narrative. The Athletics had hoped to celebrate a homegrown star in the showcase, but the right thumb capsule sprain now places that moment on hold. While the All-Star Game represents a chance to showcase talent on baseball’s biggest stage, Kurtz’s health takes precedence, and the team’s prognosis will focus on his recovery and return to action as soon as he’s cleared to play. In the meantime, Oakland must navigate Tuesday’s ceremonial tilt without one of its brightest up-and-comers, while Peters ascends into a prominent spotlight for the AL.
For fans and analysts, the development underscores the unpredictable nature of a season defined by injuries and roster churn. It also highlights the depth and resilience teams must summon as they navigate a prolonged grind, with opportunities opening for other players to step up in critical moments. As Kurtz works through healing and the A’s map out their next steps, the broader story remains one of a franchise striving to capitalize on emerging talent while contending against the odds in a competitive American League landscape.