The Athletics activated infielder Nick Punto from the 15-day disabled list. Punto had been out since straining his right hamstring on August 2.
Punto is not in tonight's starting lineup against Chicago White Sox left-hander John Danks, with Alberto Callaspo starting instead. This is speculation, but he might not be in the starting lineup because (a) he is not at 100% and (b) there was no easy opportunity to insert him into rehabilitation games. Punto is statistically the best middle infield bat against left-handed pitching on the A's roster:
Middle Infielders vs. LHP, 2014 (thru Sept. 8) | |||||||
Player | Batting | PA | wRC+ | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
Nick Punto | Right | 102 | 85 | .247 | .314 | .323 | .637 |
Jed Lowrie | Right | 122 | 81 | .238 | .294 | .344 | .638 |
Alberto Callaspo | Right | 154 | 53 | .201 | .273 | .252 | .525 |
Andy Parrino | Right | 22 | 38 | .150 | .227 | .250 | .477 |
Eric Sogard | Left | 39 | 20 | .152 | .243 | .152 | .395 |
Sean Doolittle may be activated this week
Closer Sean Doolittle threw a bullpen on Monday:
Sean Doolittle threw 20 pitches off the mound and feels so good that he was more mad that his mechanics were a bit off. #Athletics
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 8, 2014
Doolittle next throws to hitters, then could come off DL. Looks like this week sometime. "Very close," he says. "Very encouraging."
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 8, 2014
John Jaso visiting concussion specialist Sep. 10 for clearance
Catcher John Jaso will go to Pittsburgh on Wednesday seeking clearance to come off the disabled list for his concussion:
#Athletics C John Jaso will see concussion specialist Dr. Mickey Collins Wednesday in Pittsburgh looking for clearance to come off DL.
— John Hickey (@JHickey3) September 8, 2014
Stephen Vogt still not in Chicago
No updates on Stephen Vogt. He is expected to join the team in Seattle on Friday, though his activation date is unknown.