A's trainer Davis works overtime

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jun 30, 2004 | by Josh Suchon, STAFF WRITER

OAKLAND -- If there has been another time in Larry Davis' two decades as Oakland Athletics trainer when the list of players injured was this long, he can't remember it.

The A's went into Tuesday's game against Anaheim with two relievers unavailable, an outfielder limited in his use, unsure of their starting pitcher for Thursday and Saturday and with four players on the disabled list.

"Instead of watching TV in the trainer's room, you work on guys," Davis said. "I'd rather just be doing routine maintenance on them."

Not all the news is bad. Here's the latest rundown:

Third baseman Eric Chavez (broken hand) hit off a tee and threw from third base to first base. The tingling he felt afterward was normal and it was iced. Chavez said he was told by doctors that at four weeks he's where you would normally be at six weeks. Ideally, Chavez would play rehab games during the All-Star break (July 12-14) and come off the disabled list as the second half begins.

Starter Rich Harden (shoulder) was ruled out of Thursday's game by Davis but Saturday is possible. Kirk Saarloos is the likely Thursday starting pitcher. Harden will do various tests the next two or three days to make sure his left (non-throwing) shoulder has full range, so he can defend himself on a comebacker.

Reliever Arthur Rhodes (back) wasn't better after playing catch before batting practice. An MRI will be done early this morning. Afterward, the A's will know if the DL is necessary for Rhodes, who hasn't pitched in a week.

Reliever Justin Duchscherer (back) received an epidural Monday for his back and will be given 24 to 48 hours to recover. Duchscherer has experienced back problems before. The A's hope he's available to pitch Thursday or Friday.

Outfielder Billy McMillon (back) is "not real close" to coming off the DL. His back didn't respond to the epidural he received two weeks ago. McMillon will see a back specialist on Friday and will have no baseball activity in the meantime.

Starter Tim Hudson (strained oblique) is nearly pain-free. Once all the pain is gone, he will begin stretching exercises. The A's are hopeful Hudson can start July 10 in Cleveland but won't push him since that's just two days before the All-Star break. Instead, they might have him return from the DL after the break.

Outfielder Bobby Kielty (ribs) can hit right-handed (his better side) and play defense, but can't swing lefty. The A's hope Kielty is healthy enough to start Thursday.

Reliever Chris Hammond (left shoulder) hasn't thrown since going on the DL on June 21 and is probably one to two weeks away.