Oakland's injury situation began to look up toward the end of the spring, and often injured 3B Eric Chavez and 2B Mark Ellis were ready for the start of the season. Starting pitching remains a big question mark, especially with All-Star Justin Duchscherer and co-closer Joey Devine shelved by elbow injuries, and the starters could be in flux much of the season. LHP Brett Anderson earned a rotation job, showing good poise to go along with big-league-ready stuff, and Duchscherer's sore elbow resulted in a spot for RHP Trevor Cahill. LHP Josh Outman beat out RHP Sean Gallagher for the final opening in the rotation.
PLAYER NEWS: --OF Ryan Sweeney is 6 for his first 14 with a walk to open the season, and he had Oakland's first two RBIs Wednesday in the team's 6-4 victory over the Angels. He also has scored two runs. He played right field Wednesday with Rajai Davis starting in center.
--OF Matt Holliday, who was out Tuesday with a case of stomach flu, pinch-hit in the eighth inning Wednesday and struck out, but he remained in the game and delivered an RBI single with two outs in the ninth in Oakland's 6-4 win at Anaheim. Holliday is expected to start Thursday night.
--RHP Dan Giese was claimed off waivers from the Yankees and assigned to Class AAA Sacramento. The A's designated RHP Chris Schroder for assignment to clear a spot for Giese, who had a 6.60 ERA in nine spring appearances with New York. He will pitch in relief at least initially in Sacramento.
--RHP Joey Devine saw Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday. The A's are already prepared for bad news, having placed Devine on the 60-day disabled list. Devine has had recurring problems with his right elbow, and there is concern he will need ligament transplant surgery.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Matt Holliday (illness) sat out the April 7-8 games. He is day-to-day.
RHP Justin Duchscherer (arthroscopic elbow surgery in March 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. There is a chance that when he is able to throw off the mound, he will be moved into the bullpen to try to safeguard his health. He is expected to return in early May.
RHP Joey Devine (sore right elbow) went on the 60-day disabled list retroactive to March 31. He was scheduled to be examined by Dr. James Andrews on April 8.
OF Ben Copeland (sprained left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. Copeland is a Rule 5 draftee from the Giants.
ROTATION:
1. LHP Dallas Braden
2. RHP Trevor Cahill
3. LHP Dana Eveland
4. LHP Brett Anderson
5. LHP Josh Outman
BULLPEN:
RHP Brad Ziegler (closer)
RHP Russ Springer
RHP Santiago Casilla
RHP Michael Wuertz
LHP Jerry Blevins
RHP Sean Gallagher
RHP Andrew Bailey
LINEUP:
1. CF Ryan Sweeney
2. SS Orlando Cabrera
3. LF Matt Holliday
4. 1B Jason Giambi
5. 3B Eric Chavez
6. DH Jack Cust
7. C Kurt Suzuki
8. RF Travis Buck
9. 2B Mark Ellis
RESERVES:
C Landon Powell
INF Nomar Garciaparra
INF Bobby Crosby
OF Rajai Davis
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