Oakland Athletics Wiretap

Harden Back To DL?

While his teammates flew to Kansas City, Mo., for a much-needed off day, A's pitcher Rich Harden was scheduled to fly home Wednesday night to Oakland to get an MRI on his back after departing in the fourth inning.

Harden felt the right side of his back tighten during the last hitter he faced, a walk to Hank Blalock, with one out in the fourth inning. Harden, who struck out six of the first nine batters he faced, didn't deny he was still in pain as he talked to reporters after the game.

In September 2003, Harden missed a start due to back spasms. He was on the disabled list twice last year with injuries near the back: his left oblique and right lat (just below the shoulder).

"I know everybody is hoping that Harden will be OK," reliever Justin Duchscherer said. "To me, he's our stopper. We need him to get healthy as quickly as possible."

Via Oakland Tribune

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Payton's Agent Speaks To Beane About Playing Time

Ken Macha sat struggling outfielder Jay Payton (.170, no RBI) for the third time in four games, but Payton is taking it in stride. He had an animated chat with Macha before a game on the last homestand, but Macha said Payton since has been understanding about the situation.

The A's are playing hot Nick Swisher in left field, while giving first baseman Dan Johnson every opportunity to break out of his slump. That's left Payton the odd man out. Payton's agent, Craig Landis, recently spoke to A's general manager Billy Beane, according to a person familiar with talks, but Payton is making $4 million in his option year, scaring off -- for now -- potential suitors.

"It's too early for (a trade)," said Landis, who would not divulge whether he spoke to Beane. "We'll see how it shakes out. He's not happy sitting on the bench. But it's early in the season and we'll see what shapes up. Jay is like most players -- even more so -- he wants to play."

Via Contra Costa Times

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Crosby Not Expected To Miss Significant Time

Shortstop Bobby Crosby is not expected to miss significant time for the Oakland Athletics with a strained right triceps muscle, an injury he sustained in batting practice Friday before the A's played the Los Angeles Angels.

Crosby was examined Saturday by team orthopedist Jerrald Goldman, who was pleased with Crosby's improvement and didn't think the 2004 AL Rookie of the Year would need to spend time on the disabled list.

"It's certainly not a DL type of thing," Goldman said. "It's days rather than weeks."

Via AP

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