Athletics' Nick Kurtz set for MRI after forearm hit by pitch

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz will undergo an MRI test after leaving Wednesday night's game against the Boston Red Soxbecause of a bruised forearm after being hit by a pitch.

The 23-year-old All-Star had X-rays taken after being removed from the game, but manager Mark Kotsay said the results were inconclusive.

"We're going to have an MRI in the morning so we'll have a better idea of exactly what is going on," Kotsay told reporters after the A's 4-2 loss to the Red Sox. "The X-rays were kind of unclear, so we're hoping for the best."

Kurtz was batting in the first inning with a 3-2 count when he was struck on the left forearm by a 95 mph sinker thrown by Red Sox starter Patrick Sandoval.

Kurtz had just come off the injured list Saturday after being out because of a right thumb sprain.

Kurtz is batting .260, leads the A's with 21 home runs and is third in the majors with 77 walks.br/]