Injuries have been a recurring trend in the Athletics’ clubhouse over the past few seasons, and this season especially, the A’s find themselves hurting all over.
Oakland’s starting rotation has been hit the hardest this season, with Dallas Braden, Brett Anderson, Rich Harden, Brandon McCarthy, and Tyson Ross all spending time on the disabled-list this year.
The A’s got Harden and McCarthy back, and Ross is nearing a return as well. But Braden is out for the season, and Anderson, the A’s young ace, won’t be back anytime soon.
Also bitten by the infamous injury bug that seemingly calls the coliseum “home,” is outfielder Josh Willingham and relief pitcher Grant Balfour.
Willingham hasn’t played in a game since June 17, and is currently on the disabled-list. The A’s are hoping to get Willingham back soon, especially with an important series with the Texas Rangers coming up this weekend. And according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, manager Bob Melvin plans to alternate Hideki Matsui and Willingham between left field and DH.
The A’s are in search for more consistent offensive production, and while Willingham isn’t having that great of a season this year, Willingham’s 10 home runs this season still leads the team.
Balfour, who was acquired this past offseason, has been impressive this season for Oakland. Prior to landing on the DL, Balfour was 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA. He’s expected to go on a rehab assignment starting Tuesday, according to Susan Slusser, and he could be back with the team this week.
The A’s are on the fringes of contention, but the team will need to enter the All-Star break on a winning note. And it all starts with getting healthy for the second-half.