The A's were prepared to start the season without the help of pitcher Dallas Braden or designated hitter Manny Ramirez, but Saturday brought bad news on the veterans' health.
The A's returned home from splitting their two-game opening series in Japan -- neither Braden or Ramirez made the trip -- to face their Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats Saturday.
Braden, 28, is continuing his recovery from reconstructive shoulder surgery. The surgery ended his 2011 season after just three starts and repaired a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder.
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SIGN UP HERE Manager Bob Melvin informed the media Saturday at Raley Field that Braden suffered a setback throwing a day after his bullpen session. The result was a strained shoulder, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, one that could push back the early May date he and the A's were targeting for a return.
Braden, who was on the field for batting practice Saturday, left without speaking to the media.
Ramirez, 39, got good news Friday when his domestic violence charges were dropped. But Saturday, the media was told of a hamstring injury he sustained in Arizona that will keep him out of the upcoming Bay Bridge series against the Giants (April 2, 3, 4) to close out the spring.
NEWS: Manny's domestic violence charges dropped
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Ramirez violated MLB's drug policy for a second time, and will serve a 50-game suspension that will keep him out of his new Green and Gold uniform until the A's May 30 contest in Minnesota.
Although the injuries do not affect the A's preparation for their next regular season game -- Friday, April 6 against the Mariners -- they are certainly not the updates Oakland is looking for, especially from a team that has been so plagued with injures in recent years past.