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At the end of Saturday evening's game, Sean Doolittle visibly grimaced and did not appear to make a full strength throw to first to record the final out. He has been placed on the disabled list with an intercostal strain.
While Doolittle played off the injury last night as just something that needed rest, it appears his MRI today may have revealed something more serious, prompting Dan Otero's re-activation before today's game.
Doolittle feels about the same as last night, Melvin says. Looks like an intercostal injury. #Athletics
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 24, 2014
Dan Otero will be activated before the game, Doolittle likely to DL. #Athletics
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 24, 2014
Otero is already here and in uniform. Active? "Depending on the Doolittle thing," said Melvin. "Good chance." #Athletics
— Carl Steward (@stewardsfolly) August 24, 2014
Of some comfort for A's fans, if there is one area of extreme depth for the Athletics, it is the bullpen. Beyond Otero, Evan Scribner, Fernando Rodriguez, and Joe Savery have all pitched well in limited time with the big league club this year, and Evan Scribner's Sacramento ERA of 3.06 is the highest of the three.
There is no word yet on how long Doolittle is expected to be shut down with his injury.
Just eight more days until September 1 everybody.
Josh Donaldson also received an MRI today. Off-day is precautionary.
Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson also received an MRI today after hurting his knee during his final plate appearance last night.
Donaldson wanted to play today, but they want to check out his knee for precautionary reasons. Hurt it in last AB last night.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) August 24, 2014
He is not in tonight's starting lineup. Alberto Callaspo will play third base.
Freiman, Gentry, and Gomes are essentially the bench tonight, with Donaldson and Jaso likely unavailable.
— Athletics Nation (@athleticsnation) August 24, 2014