A few tidbits before tonight?s game.
An MRI on Ryan Sweeney?s left knee Friday revealed a sprained medial collateral ligament. He said he?s day-to-day right now as he waits for the inflammation to settle down and expects to have to play in a bit of pain when he does get back on the field. Sweeney hoped to take batting practice Friday, but A?s trainers wanted him to take it easy for another day. Rajai Davis gets the start in center field, with Aaron Cunningham in right. Jack Cust, who missed Thursday?s game with back problems, returns as the A?s DH.
No new news on infielder Nomar Garciaparra, who pretty much stayed away from baseball-related activities while the A?s were on the road. He said he didn?t know if he?ll be able to play next week when he?s scheduled to come off the 15-day disabled list. Just guessing here, but because he hasn?t done much running in the last few days, he may need a bit more time to get fully healthy again.
A?s manager Bob Geren said Justin Duchscherer may have thrown again Friday after having some back issues for the last week. But he wasn?t sure.
From the O?s clubhouse, Cesar Izturis will miss the game and likely the series after complaining of what?s being described as stomach pain. Robert Andino will start in his place. Also chatted with pitcher and Foothill High product Brad Bergesen, who is excited to be back in the Bay Area in June for the first time since he was drafted in 2004.
The lineups
A?s ? Cabrera SS, Kennedy 2B, Cust DH, Holliday LF, Giambi 1B, Suzuki C, Cunningham RF, Hannahan 3B, Davis CF, Braden P
O?s ? Roberts 2B, Jones CF, Markakis RF, Huff DH, Mora 3B, Scott LF, Wigginton 1B, Wieters C, Andino SS, Guthrie P.
