Why Athletics Should Shut Nick Kurtz Down for Good

After a recent update hit the press, it is clear that this All-Star should not play another game this season.

Jun 27, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) is greeted by teammates after scoring during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The season is over.

Nick Kurtz would hit the IL after injuring his thumb prior to the break. He would eventually come back, but there was still a sense that he was not 100%. Fast forward, and Kurtz has been on the IL for a while, but after a thumb injection, he will not be able to play for at least roughly four more weeks. Essentially ending his season.

What's the Point?

Jul 26, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) reacts during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Four weeks from today, it will be Sep. 9, meaning there will only be 20 games left in the season. That is a very generous return time as well. Rehab and other complications were not factored into this estimate. If brought back then, it can be inferred that Kurtz will do more harm than good.

By then, the Athletics could be closing in on the 100-game loss mark, meaning there is no chance at a division title, much less a Wild Card push. While this is very disappointing, rushing Kurtz back could lead to even worse implications for what has already been a generational start to a career.

Why the A's Would Bring Him Back

Jul 4, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) tosses the ball for an out against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If the A's were to activate Kurtz, it would mean that they are in contention for a playoff spot. But only recently, vs. Boston, the A's snapped a nine-game losing streak. With or without Kurtz, this team has problems that not even Shohei Ohtani could fix.

With terrible bullpen pitching, an inconsistent offense, and a very top-heavy rotation, there is simply no way the Athletics would be able to welcome Kurtz back with a winning record. However, if they do, it might still not be enough to justify bringing him back. When thinking long-term, it would still be best to keep him on the bench, as Kurtz could injure his thumb even more.

Jun 21, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) watches his two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Another possibility would be out of pure greed. This essentially means that ownership wants more ticket sales to end the season. And while this is a long shot, it could happen and, by default, would accomplish the goal of making more money. But even with both possibilities considered, there is simply no reason to bring him back.

The Bottom Line

Jul 4, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) looks on from the dugout before the start of a game between the Miami Marlins at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Athletics are not in a position to even consider bringing Kurtz back this season. As mentioned earlier, for this to even be a thought, the Athletics would need to be contending by Sep. 9. However, without Shea Langeliers as well, there still would not be enough firepower to take this team seriously.

This injury has already derailed the season. If he could return tomorrow, it would still be a very questionable decision. Either way, injuries stink, and it hurts to see a superstar like Kurtz struggle with one this early in his career.