Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz delivers an RBI single in his MLB debut against the Rangers

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Rookie Nick Kurtz needed just one plate appearance for his first major league hit and RBI.

Kurtz singled up the middle on a 1-2 pitch from Kumar Rocker in the first inning Wednesday night, scoring Shea Langeliers from second base and giving the Athletics a 3-0 lead against Texas. His dad was caught on camera waving the runner home.

It was quite a debut for the fourth overall pick in last year's amateur draft. Kurtz also awkwardly tripped over the mound while trying to catch a popup but stayed in the game.

He batted seventh and played first base in his MLB debut. He finished 1 for 4 at the plate with a strikeout in a 5-2 victory.

The former Wake Forest standout's deal included a $7 million bonus. The A’s promoted him ahead of Wednesday's game.

Kurtz became the third player from the 2024 draft to debut after Houston outfielder Cam Smith and Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ryan Johnson made opening-day rosters. Smith was the 14th overall pick and Johnson 74th.

Kurtz started last year at Class A Stockton and was promoted to Double-A Midland. He hit .321 with seven homers, 24 RBIs and 10 walks in 20 games this season for Triple-A Las Vegas.

Kurtz’s 2024 season was cut short by a hamstring injury; he played 13 games in the Arizona Fall League.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Athletics Nick Kurtz (16) get his first career major league hit against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics Nick Kurtz (16) celebrates his first career major league hit against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics Nick Kurtz (16) celebrates his first career major league hit against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics Nick Kurtz runs to first for his first career major league hit against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz waits for the pitch against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics Nick Kurtz (16) celebrates his first career major league hit against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

SPARTANBURG, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 13, 2026--

AFL, an industry-leading manufacturer of fiber optic cables, connectivity, equipment and related services, announces the launch of the Fujikura 100S Fusion Splicer and CT60 Fiber Cleaver. These intelligent tools make technicians more productive by automating manual adjustments that previously required more experience and precision, reducing splicing preparation time by up to 30% while eliminating common alignment errors.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260113733690/en/

The new Fujikura 100S core-alignment fusion splicer introduces dual-fiber support, allowing technicians to prep and load two fibers simultaneously. It also features Splice Coach, a built-in virtual mentor that provides real-time feedback on splicing techniques, helping technicians master new skills faster. Built-in GPS tracking and location-based locking ensure the splicer always stays secure and traceable. The CT60 Cleaver brings automation to blade management with its enhanced Auto Blade Adjustment system, now offering 28 positions for finer control. Its ergonomic design supports one-handed operation, and Bluetooth connectivity enables seamless integration with compatible Fujikura splicers.

“Today's fiber deployments require technicians to work faster without compromising splice quality," said Megha Garlapati, Product Line Manager at AFL. "The 100S and CT60 are the only splicers on the market with this level of intelligent automation. By automating manual adjustments, these tools let technicians focus on the splice, not the setup."

AFL, the trusted distributor of Fujikura splicers in North America, provides unmatched support with 24/7 availability, expert repair technicians, same-day turnaround and a comprehensive inventory of parts and consumables. Fujikura’s signature yellow transit cases are a familiar sight in data centers, trenches and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) installations worldwide, symbolizing decades of reliability and innovation.

Learn more about AFL's fiber splicers and accessories at AFLglobal.com.

About AFL

Founded in 1984, AFL is a global manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the broadband, energy, data center, AI and industrial markets. With products in over 130 countries, AFL specializes in fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission/compression and substation accessories, connectivity solutions, fusion splicers, and test and inspection equipment. Guided by customer-focused and community-centered values and a strong commitment to safety, the company operates manufacturing facilities worldwide and provides a comprehensive portfolio of services and solutions supporting network infrastructure, data centers, service providers, wireless and power grid modernization.

CT60 Fiber Cleaver

Fujikura 100S Fusion Splicer