[EDITOR'S NOTE: I was just about to write something today about how Buck should be the top candidate for rookie of the year in the AL. That should teach me to open my fat mouth. Honestly, Buck has quickly become one of my favorite players much like Rich Harden did a few years ago because they both have an amazing amount of natural talent. Someone recently told me that they would compare Buck's swing to that of Wally Joyner. I can honestly say that I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone able to stay back on the ball as well as Buck does. And considering his age? Wow. It's just a shame he's so freaking fragile. Much like Harden. - Blez]
Furmaniak recalled
OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland A's today placed outfielder Travis Buck on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to August 18 with a strained left hamstring. To take his spot on the roster, the A's have recalled infielder J.J. Furmaniak from Triple-A Sacramento.
Buck injured his hamstring running the bases in the sixth inning on Friday night against Kansas City. He was batting .288 with seven home runs and 34 RBI in 82 games with Oakland, including .339 over his final 15 games before the injury. This is Buck's second stint on the disabled list this year as he was previously out from June 28 to July 14 with a sprained right thumb.
Furmaniak was batting .292 with 15 home runs, 51 RBI and a team leading 21 stolen bases in 106 games with Sacramento. He hit .318 (7 for 22) in five games following his option from Oakland on August 14. The 28-year old appeared in 43 games at shortstop, 25 at second base, 21 at third base, 17 in left field and one in right field. This is his fourth stint with the A's this year and he is 0 for 5 in six games. Furmaniak went 0 for 1 in one game during his first stint from June 16 to 20, did not play during his second stint from July 12 to 14 and then went 0 for 4 in five games during his third stint from August 3 to 14.
The A's have now used the disabled list 21 times this year, which is one short of the Oakland record of 22 set in 1992. The players on the DL have combined to miss an Oakland record 946 games. The A's currently have nine players on the DL and have had at least five players on the DL every day since April 23. The A's have set an Oakland record by using a Major League leading 50 players this year.
