Nick Kurtz replaces Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as AL All-Star first baseman
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 4:45 PM
Last updated Jul 5, 2026
Nick Kurtz of the Athletics will start at first base for the American League in the All-Star Game after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opted out due to a lower back issue. Guerrero, who plays for the Blue Jays, informed reporters of his need to prioritize his health ahead of the second half of the season. Kurtz, 23, has made a strong impression after debuting in April 2025 and is having a solid season with 20 home runs and a.939 OPS. This marks a significant milestone in Kurtz's career, who may be on track for future All-Star selections.
- •Nick Kurtz to start at first base for AL in All-Star Game.
- •Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opts out due to lower back issue.
- •Kurtz has 20 home runs and.939 OPS this season.
- •Guerrero has not hit a home run at Rogers Centre this season.
- •Kurtz's emergence follows a strong rookie season in 2025.
- 4:45 PMYahoo Sports — Nick Kurtz replaces Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as AL All-Star starting first baseman
"Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz assumed the starting AL All-Star Game spot when Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opted out of the game.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Sep 4, 2026, 6:20 AMBlue Jays’ John Schneider Opens Up on George Springer Decision Amid Guardians Series
MLB•Sep 4, 2026, 6:08 AMMariners Stop Short in 7-4 Loss to A’s
MLB•Sep 4, 2026, 5:55 AMSeattle Mariners Unable to Keep Early Lead in 7-4 Loss to Athletics
MLB•Sep 4, 2026, 5:53 AMLuis Medina Answers the Call in A's Win Over Seattle
MLB•Sep 4, 2026, 5:24 AMSt. Louis Cardinals Bullpen Blows Lead in 9th as Dodgers Avoid Sweep
MLB•Sep 4, 2026, 5:23 AMA’s Outlast Mariners 7-4 in Wild Clash