Durazo, Miller doubtful going into Angels series
By Chris Haft
Mercury News
Needing to be at full strength more than ever, the A's will enter their crucial series against the Anaheim Angels with two members of the lineup doubtful, at best, and closer Octavio Dotel extremely limited.
Designated hitter Erubiel Durazo missed the A's 3-2 victory Thursday over Seattle because of an inflamed left wrist. He was examined by Dr. Kendrick Lee, a hand specialist, to certify that he had not suffered any structural damage. Trainer Larry Davis characterized Durazo's playing status as day to day.
Durazo, who leads the A's with a .323 average, 88 RBIs and .926 OPS (slugging average plus on-base percentage), began reporting discomfort in his wrist about two weeks ago. That, Davis said, stemmed from Durazo's compensating for an injured right side, which forced him to alter his swing. Durazo had kept his batting average above .320 since Sept. 18 but aggravated his wrist during his first at-bat Wednesday.
Catcher Damian Miller said he hopes to return sometime this weekend from the deeply bruised left thumb that has sidelined him for two games. Miller could play in an emergency. But, as he said, ``Bone bruises take time to heal.''
Like Durazo, Miller has played through his ailment, which affected his defense more than his hitting. He said he initially hurt himself Sept. 22 while awkwardly catching a pitch from reliever Arthur Rhodes. Since then, said Miller, ``There were a couple of balls I dropped that I usually don't.''
Dotel's tendinitis in his right (throwing) elbow will prevent him from pitching more than one inning, because the between-innings break leaves him prone to arm stiffness. Said Davis, ``How much can you get loose the second time around? That's a typical occurrence with a tendinitis issue.''
By Chris Haft
Mercury News
Needing to be at full strength more than ever, the A's will enter their crucial series against the Anaheim Angels with two members of the lineup doubtful, at best, and closer Octavio Dotel extremely limited.
Designated hitter Erubiel Durazo missed the A's 3-2 victory Thursday over Seattle because of an inflamed left wrist. He was examined by Dr. Kendrick Lee, a hand specialist, to certify that he had not suffered any structural damage. Trainer Larry Davis characterized Durazo's playing status as day to day.
Durazo, who leads the A's with a .323 average, 88 RBIs and .926 OPS (slugging average plus on-base percentage), began reporting discomfort in his wrist about two weeks ago. That, Davis said, stemmed from Durazo's compensating for an injured right side, which forced him to alter his swing. Durazo had kept his batting average above .320 since Sept. 18 but aggravated his wrist during his first at-bat Wednesday.
Catcher Damian Miller said he hopes to return sometime this weekend from the deeply bruised left thumb that has sidelined him for two games. Miller could play in an emergency. But, as he said, ``Bone bruises take time to heal.''
Like Durazo, Miller has played through his ailment, which affected his defense more than his hitting. He said he initially hurt himself Sept. 22 while awkwardly catching a pitch from reliever Arthur Rhodes. Since then, said Miller, ``There were a couple of balls I dropped that I usually don't.''
Dotel's tendinitis in his right (throwing) elbow will prevent him from pitching more than one inning, because the between-innings break leaves him prone to arm stiffness. Said Davis, ``How much can you get loose the second time around? That's a typical occurrence with a tendinitis issue.''
