A's closer Sean Doolittle is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season because of a slight tear to the rotator cuff in his left shoulder along with considerable inflammation and irritation in the area.
Doolittle had a platelet-rich plasma injection last Friday in an attempt to decrease the inflammation and irritation before he begins rehabilitation under the direction of athletic trainer Nick Paparesta, assistant GM David Forst said Friday. There is no timetable for Doolittle's return, although doctors believe the left-hander will recover to pitch without needing surgery.