Athletics' Soto forced from wild-card game with thumb injury

The Oakland Athletics started Geovany Soto behind the plate for his ability to limit the running game. But he lasted all of two innings. 

Soto was removed from Tuesday's wild-card game against the Kansas City Royals due to a left thumb injury, which apparently happened after tagging out Eric Hosmer in the first inning. 

The catcher, who struck out in his only plate appearance, told the TBS broadcast that he felt something "pop." He was replaced by Derek Norris, who is below average at throwing runners out. 

Norris threw out just 17 percent of would-be base stealers this season, while Soto - in a much smaller sample - nailed 43 percent. 

The Royals swiped a major league-leading 153 bases during the regular season.