Well, it was bound to happen, right?
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle tweeted that A’s pitcher Rich Harden has suffered a minor setback and could be shut down for a few weeks.
Harden, 29, is no stranger when it comes to health problems, and while the A’s did not spend a ton of money on the right-hander this offseason, this “lat stiffness” has to be frustrating.
The A’s brought Harden back to Oakland with a one-year deal worth $1.5 million, with the hopes of having Harden become part of the starting rotation, or possibly the bullpen.
Harden was figured to be in the running for Oakland’s vacant fifth-starter spot in the rotation, but with this latest injury, that could change. The A’s have other options including Josh Outman and Brandon McCarthy to fill the void.
Hopefully, Harden is not out for a long period of time, and that this injury is nothing too serious. If the A’s can have Harden healthy in time for Opening Day, he can contribute nicely in either a starter or reliever role.