A’s Harden Set for Friday Debut

Rich Harden is set to make his first start for the A’s since 2008 this Friday.  The righty will begin his season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"“I hope to make up for missing the first half. … It’s a little strange, but it’s like Opening Day for me,” Harden said."

The reason Harden’s season has been delayed is because of a strained right shoulder that’s kept him out since spring training.

Harden hasn’t pitched since last September, when he was a member of the Rangers.  The 29 year old started 18 games for Texas in 2010, but only a few of his appearances were successful.  Harden finished the year with an ERA of 5.58.

In his 8 Major League seasons, Harden has maintained an ERA of 3.68 over 845.2 innings.  He had his best seasons as a member of the Athletics, the team that drafted him in 2000.

For once the A’s are gaining a pitcher from the DL instead of losing one.  The team has lost four from its rotation already this season.  Brett Anderson, Tyson Ross and Brandon McCarthy will all return, but Dallas Braden was lost for the year back in April.

For more on the Athletics, be sure to check out Swingin’ A’s.