The Oakland Athletics already expected to begin the season without starting pitcher Dallas Braden. Now, Carl Steward of MercuryNews.com is reporting that Braden’s projected return of early May could be pushed back even further due to his most recent setback.
After logging a bullpen session last week, Braden reportedly strained his shoulder while playing catch. The A’s have yet to receive, or at least release, word on how severe the injury is.
After undergoing surgery last May to repair a torn anterior capsule in his throwing shoulder, Braden missed the remainder of the 2011 season. The left-hander was projected to rejoin the A’s sometime this May, but this newest setback could result in even more time on the sidelines.
Braden didn’t speak with reporters immediately following the announcement of his injury, but A’s manager Bob Melvin has said that there is no timetable for his return at this time. Oakland is hoping to learn more about Braden’s ailment when they get together with doctors to have the shoulder examined.
This will mark the second season in a row in which Braden will miss significant time due to an arm injury. Though Braden’s spent five seasons in the majors, the 28-year-old has only reached the 30 start plateau once. The left-hander sports a career ERA of 4.16 to go with his WHIP of 1.325.
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