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A’s pitching hopefuls working out kinks
By Daniel Dullum March 7, 2010 |
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A number of Oakland Athletics pitchers, including veterans Justin Duchscherer and Brett Tomko and newcomer Ben Sheets, are trying to bounce back from injury-plagued seasons while trying to make a good impression as camp continues in Phoenix. Duchscherer, who many thought would be gone from Oakland this season through free agency, has returned to the A’s after being on the shelf most of last season with arm trouble. He’s throwing in front of the mound for the moment, as his comeback from surgery to eliminate irritation in his sacroiliac joint. It will be at least two weeks before Duchscherer is throwing off the mound, though he feels he’ll be on the opening day roster. Following his first start of the spring against his old team, Milwaukee, Sheets said he felt fine, but confessed to being a little nervous after not pitching for almost a year-and-a-half. Sheets is trying to come back from bone spur surgery. Right-hander Joey Devine, who had Tommy John surgery last year, might be throwing in spring games within the next week or so. Jason Jennings, another right-hander who signed a minor league contract with Oakland, threw a simulated game on March 5. Jennings could see action as a spot starter or long reliever if he makes the cut. The 36-year-old Tomko also signed a minor league deal with the Athletics and continues to rehabilitate the nerve problem in his right arm that ended his 2009 season early. Tomko was 4-1 for Oakland last year with 2.95 ERA. Elsewhere in the A’s camp, Eric Chavez is testing the waters at first base for the first time in his career. The former Gold Glove third baseman is trying to come back from a pair of back surgeries and has struggled physically the last two seasons. A move to first base might bring his potent bat back to the lineup. Sunday rainout The A’s scheduled game in Tempe against the Los Angeles Angels was cancelled due to a rainstorm on Sunday that disrupted all sites throughout the Cactus League. Nearly 50 media from Japan were on hand, anticipating the Angels debut of former Yankee Hideo Matsui. Because of the tight schedule, rainouts are never re-scheduled in spring ball. Angels manager Mike Scioscia has told the media that, because of Matsui’s knee problems from the last two seasons in New York, the veteran outfielder would be brought along slowly this spring. The Athletics are 2-1 so far in the spring, with wins over Milwaukee and the Angels, and loss to the Chicago Cubs. |
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