Oakland A’s All-Star closer Sean Doolittle suffered a right intercostal muscle strain following Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. After recording the final out Doolittle appeared to be wincing as the team gathered to celebrate. Meanwhile, catcher John Jaso will be out due to concussion-like symptoms that have progressively gotten worse since taking a foul ball off his mask two weeks ago.
This is not the first time Jaso has had concussion problems. He missed the final two months and playoffs due to a severe concussion last year. Doolittle will be placed on the 15-day DL while Jaso will be on the 7-day concussion DL.
Meanwhile the A's have recalled reliever Dan Otero who was optioned this weekend to fill Doolittle's spot. They also traded for Texas Rangers catcher Geovany Soto in exchange for cash considerations. At this time, manager Bob Melvin has not made an official announcement of who will be the interim closer, it appears that Eric O'Flaherty will take the job.
Ryan Cook and Luke Gregerson who have recorded four saves between them will remain as the setup men. Left-handed starter Drew Pomeranz was also called up today from AAA Sacramento giving the A's a six-man starting rotation. Jesse Chavez who was in the starting rotation at the start of the season remains the A's long-man out of the bullpen.
The A's could also see the possible returns of infielders Jed Lowrie and Nick Punto from injury very soon. Lowrie is coming off a fractured right finger and Nick Punto from a hamstring injury. Both players have progressed in their recoveries, with Lowrie taking one-handed swings and Nick Punto going through an entire batting practice.
Oakland continues to be in a tight race with the Angels for the AL West lead. The two teams will face off in a four-game set starting Thursday after the A's series with the Houston Astros.