Thumb injury forces an extended All-Star Break for Kurtz

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Athletics
NEWS: The A’s placed 1B Nick Kurtz on the 10-day IL with a right thumb capsule sprain and recalled C Brian Serven from the minors.
IMPACT: High
BHQ SPIN: The A’s lost one of their top hitters heading into the final weekend before the All-Star Break after Kurtz jammed his thumb while fielding his position. The hope is that Kurtz is fit to return following the A’s first series of the second half. While he’s recovering, Jonah Heim will take over as the everyday first baseman, necessitating additional catching depth, hence Serven’s promotion. The 31-year-old Serven has spent all year at Triple-A, slashing .308/.403/.525 (236 PA) with a 121 wRC+ and has Major League experience across the 2022-24 campaigns.

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