Nick Kurtz’s thumb injury could sideline the A’s All-Star for the rest of 2026

Oakland Athletics All-Star first baseman Nick Kurtz is expected to miss significant time after aggravating an injury to his right thumb, and the outlook described in the latest report suggests he may not return before 2026 ends.

According to Yahoo Sports, Kurtz is currently wearing a brace and is slated to remain on the sidelines for at least four weeks. The report further indicates that he will wear the brace through at least early September, which would compress his potential return window and make a late-season comeback unlikely.

The timing matters because the A’s are still playing for momentum in a season where every roster spot and at-bat can shift playing time. With Kurtz sidelined into September, Oakland’s lineup decisions for the final weeks become less about matchup flexibility and more about long-term durability and who can handle the corner-base role consistently.

Kurtz’s status also carries a practical impact for a first baseman in daily production. A thumb injury affects grip, bat control, and the ability to absorb contact during hitting and fielding plays at the bag. While no procedure or specific medical plan has been confirmed in the report, the brace requirement extending into early September implies the team is treating the injury as something that needs time to stabilize rather than a short-term inconvenience.

The report frames Kurtz’s September return as doubtful for a reason that goes beyond simply counting weeks. If he remains in a brace through early September, the A’s would have to consider whether bringing him back late in the month provides meaningful benefit, especially if the brace limits his normal mechanics or if the club needs a predictable presence at the position.

For Kurtz personally, this is a second MLB season, and the prospect of missing the rest of the year changes the developmental arc that a full workload would normally provide. Even if he is able to resume activity afterward, a multi-month absence can disrupt timing, rhythm, and the everyday reps that translate into later-season performance.

For Oakland, the most immediate next step is how they manage at-bats and in-game roles while Kurtz is out. Over the next month, attention will likely shift to who can occupy first base with steadiness, how the lineup is balanced in his absence, and whether Oakland can cover the offensive production while also preventing any additional wear on other corner players.

What to watch next is the progression of Kurtz’s thumb status and whether the timeframe tightens or expands. If the brace is still required later than early September, the probability of him missing the remainder of the season increases accordingly, and it will set the tone for how Oakland plans the final homestretch and evaluates its lineup foundation for the offseason.