Athletics rookie slugger Nick Kurtz exits game with right oblique soreness

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.

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

Athletics' Nick Kurtz celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the second inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sergio Estrada)

Athletics' Nick Kurtz walks to the dugout after striking out during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

Athletics' Nick Kurtz singles during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sergio Estrada)

Athletics' Nick Kurtz rounds third base before scoring during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sergio Estrada)

LEIPZIG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 15, 2026--

Antech™, a global veterinary diagnostics company, today announced that Antech Academy, one of the largest and longest running continuous veterinary education platforms in Europe, proudly marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of unwavering commitment to supporting veterinary professionals in continuously improving their clinical expertise through high-quality, relevant education.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115872999/en/

For over 20 years, Antech Academy has been dedicated to empowering a growing community of over 25,000 veterinarians with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve accurate diagnoses and deliver the best possible treatments to their patients.

Key topics

The Antech Academy curriculum covers key disciplines encountered in daily practice, including internal medicine, clinical pathology/medical biology, oncology, dermatology, anesthesia, neurology, surgery, emergency & critical care, reproduction, infectious diseases, cardiology, genetics, exotic pets, ophthalmology, bacteriology, and more.

Innovative training formats across Europe

To meet veterinary practitioners’ evolving needs, Antech Academy blends theoretical learning with hands-on practice:

Courses are led by highly qualified veterinary specialists who are passionate about sharing their expertise with exceptional pedagogical quality.

20 years of impact in Germany, France and Belgium

Since its inception in Germany, Antech Academy has forged strong partnerships with over 100 veterinary practitioners and specialists nationwide.

Over the past two decades, its training programs have become a benchmark for excellence, with over 8000 veterinarians benefiting from scientific sessions, hands-on workshops, and advanced courses. These initiatives have strengthened expertise, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and improved patient care throughout the country.

In 2025, over 1,600 veterinary professionals in Germany attended Antech Academy courses, all of which are ATF-certified.

Over 13,000 French-speaking veterinarians attended Antech Academy live webinars in 2025, with more than 35,000 total connections throughout the year – all led by over 50 expert veterinary trainers.

Antech has also partnered with leading veterinary institutions such as L'École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA) and ULB HeLSci to develop and deliver the continuous education offering.

Sign up with Antech Academy during Leipzig Veterinary Congress

Veterinary professionals signing up for Antech Academy webinars or courses during Leipzig Veterinary Congress (15-17 January) will receive a special 25% discount.

About Antech

Antech is a global veterinary diagnostics company driven by its passion for innovation that helps veterinarians deliver better animal health outcomes. Antech products and services span a wide network of reference laboratories across the globe; in-house diagnostic laboratory instruments and consumables, including rapid assay diagnostic products and digital cytology services; local and cloud-based data services; practice information management software and related software and support; veterinary imaging and technology; veterinary professional education and training; and board-certified specialist support services. For more information, please visit antechdiagnostics.com.

Antech Academy: 20 years of advancing continuous veterinary education in Europe

Antech Academy: 20 years of advancing continuous veterinary education in Europe