Nick Kurtz Leaves Game Early

After a hit-by-pitch in the bottom of the first on Wednesday, All-Star A's first baseman Nick Kurtz was walking to first base, then took a knee as manager Mark Kotsay and the team trainer came out to check on him. 

They talked for a bit, and ultimately Kurtz stayed in the game to run the bases. When it came time for him to play defense in the second, Jeff McNeil was at first instead. 

The pitch looked to hit Kurtz in the left forearm/wrist area. He was on the IL earlier this month with a right thumb capsule sprain. 

In the fourth inning, the A's announced that Kurtz was removed with a left forearm contusion.