A’s Injure Kurtz, Acquire Newcomb from Red Sox in Trade

The Oakland Athletics are having a rough week after top prospect Nick Kurtz landed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hip flexor.

This setback hits at a crucial time for Kurtz, who’d been showing off his bat in a stellar five-game stretch. To cover roster gaps, the A’s made a flurry of moves, including bringing back left-hander Sean Newcomb and calling up Minor League standout Drew Avans.

They’re juggling the lineup and leaning on young talent, trying to push through another bumpy chapter of their rebuild.

Nick Kurtz: A Rising Star Sidelined

Nick Kurtz, ranked No. 14 among all baseball prospects, has been a rare bright spot for the struggling Athletics.

The 22-year-old slugger was on a tear, batting .412 with four home runs and nine RBIs over his last five games. Even though his season slash line sits at .245/.315/.447 through 94 Major League at-bats, that recent surge made it feel like he was finally settling in.

The Nature and Timeline of Kurtz’s Injury

Kurtz strained his left hip flexor during Saturday’s game against the Phillies while running the bases. Manager Mark Kotsay thinks Kurtz’s absence will be short, since the injury doesn’t seem too serious.

Because the move is retroactive to Sunday, the young slugger could return in as little as ten days if his recovery goes smoothly.

Reacquiring Sean Newcomb: A Strategic Transaction

The Athletics brought back left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations. Newcomb had a 0-4 record and a 3.95 ERA over 12 appearances this season, struggling to find his groove, but he’s getting another shot in Oakland.

Honestly, for a team in a rebuild, Newcomb’s lefty arm feels like a low-risk, high-upside move. Maybe he finds something here?

Corresponding Roster Moves

Right-hander Michel Otañez was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas. Matt Krook and Ryan Cusick got designated for assignment.

Seth Brown, who was DFA’d last week, cleared waivers and got outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas. These moves open up space and keep the roster flexible for whatever comes next.

Logan Davidson and CJ Alexander Step into the Breach

Instead of shifting top catching prospect Tyler Soderstrom to first base while Kurtz is out, Kotsay is rolling with Logan Davidson and CJ Alexander. Both infielders bring versatility and steady gloves, and this choice lets Soderstrom keep focusing on catching.

It’s a move that fits with the A’s long-term rebuilding plans, even if it’s not flashy.

Minor League Standout Drew Avans Joins the Big Leagues

One of the more interesting developments: Drew Avans, a 28-year-old outfielder, is getting his shot in the Majors. He’s been tearing it up in the Minors, leading all of Minor League Baseball with 62 hits and earning praise for his defense and relentless work ethic.

Avans brings a mix of skills to an Athletics roster that could really use some energy and offense right now.

Key Takeaways from the Athletics’ Roster Moves

• Nick Kurtz’s injury: The No. 14 prospect in baseball should only miss a little time while he recovers from a hip flexor strain.
• Sean Newcomb returns: The left-hander gets another shot to revive his career with the A’s. He flashed some potential in Boston.
• Focus on development: Kotsay uses players like Logan Davidson and CJ Alexander in ways that show Oakland still cares about growth.
• Drew Avans’ promotion: The Minor League standout just got called up, bringing a jolt of energy and some versatility to the Athletics’ outfield.

The Athletics keep stacking up young talent and filling holes at the Major League level. Fans might not love how rough 2023 has been, but honestly, seeing flashes from guys like Kurtz and Avans gives a bit of hope for what’s next in Oakland.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A’s place Kurtz on IL, acquire Newcomb in trade with Red Sox