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MESA, Ariz. -- The Oakland A's are preparing to play the Chicago White Sox in Cactus League action on Sunday, and manager Bob Melvin provided some injury updates in his pregame press conference. Among the news:
- Sean Doolittle is dealing with a slight tricep strain, though Melvin noted that it's "much better right now" since his last appearance. He'll throw on flat ground Sunday, with an eye toward hopefully getting him back on a mound on Monday. He last pitched on March 13 against the Cubs, and in three spring games he's racked up four strikeouts, a walk, and a homer in three innings. Doolittle missed most of the 2015 season with shoulder issues, but Melvin said that he could be ready for Opening Day as long as there are no further setbacks.
- Sam Fuld had an MRI on his shoulder after feeling something on a throw to home plate in Saturday's game against the Reds. Melvin said that the results aren't in yet and that Fuld will see a doctor on Sunday. Melvin didn't comment on the severity of the injury, only saying that it was "enough to where he had to go and get an MRI." ... UPDATE:
Bob Melvin says Sam Fuld has a "moderate shoulder sprain" and will be out three weeks...
— Jeremy F. Koo (@jfkooAN) March 20, 2016
Hard to see Fuld as available for opening day, but means club can keep him on DL and postpone a hard roster decision as he's out of options.
— Jeremy F. Koo (@jfkooAN) March 20, 2016
- Stephen Vogt, who had minor offseason surgery to clean up his throwing elbow, is having a wonderful spring at the plate so far with a 1.389 OPS and three homers in eight games. When asked about his recovery, Melvin had this to say: "(Vogt's) still not quite there yet with his throwing, but he's getting there every day ... but we didn't expect him to be (yet)." Vogt is in the lineup as the catcher on Sunday against the White Sox.
- Josh Phegley is good to go, having moved past his concussion from the end of the 2015 season as well as the minor shoulder soreness he experienced at the start of the spring. Sounds like he's playing at 100%. Phegley has hit the ball hard this spring, launching a pair of homers to go with a 1.027 OPS.
- Felix Doubront was nailed in the knee by a line drive in Saturday's contest against the Giants, but he remained in the game and pitched well. Melvin didn't express any concern about the lefty's health.
