Athletics rookie slugger Nick Kurtz exits game with right oblique soreness

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WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Athletics rookie slugger Nick Kurtz was removed Friday night against the Texas Rangers because of what the team described as right oblique soreness.

Kurtz, who had drawn a walk, was rounding third base and heading for home on Brent Rooker's double in the third inning when he apparently experienced the soreness, and slowed down.

He was safe at home to tie the score at 2-2, but walked to the clubhouse with team medical staff. The Rangers went on to a 5-2 victory.

The AL Rookie of the Year candidate was replaced at first base by Tyler Soderstrom, who came in from left field. Carlos Cortes went to left field.

Kurtz said the issue has been bugging him, got worse in the second inning, and left because he didn't want to make it worse, according to MLB.com

Manager Mark Kotsay had no postgame updates but said the team hopes to schedule an MRI for Kurtz on Saturday.

Kurtz is hitting .308 with 23 doubles, two triples, 27 home runs and 70 RBIs.

He is one of just three players in the majors this season to hit four home runs in a game. Kurtz also became the first rookie in major league history to hit four in a game and matched the MLB record for total bases with 19 in a July 25 game against the Houston Astros. He also had a double and a single in that game.

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