A's activate Harden from DL, starts against Texas Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - The Oakland Athletics activated oft-injured
pitcher Rich Harden from the 15-day disabled list Sunday, in time to start the
team's series finale with the Texas Rangers.
Harden was roughed up by Texas lasting only 3 2/3 innings and giving up five
runs on eight hits and four walks. He struck out five.
The 26-year-old remained at 1-0 with the no decision and his earned run
average climbed from 0.82 to 3.68 with the start in three games this season.
Harden was placed on the DL for the sixth time in the last four years in early
April with a... More...
If Mark Ellis' hamstring injury forces him to miss the entire series in Atlanta this weekend, manager Bob Geren said that Daric Barton could be used some at third base, according to MLB.com. Barton played 18 games at third base for Triple-A Sacramento last season and made nine errors.
Our View:This could potentially give Barton some positional flexibility in some leagues, but his value is pretty minimal right now since he's barely hitting his weight.
Mark Ellis missed the Cleveland series with a strained left hamstring, and his manager, Bob Geren, doesn't expect his second baseman to be in the lineup tonight, either, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View:Donnie Murphy will continue to spot start at second until Ellis is ready.
Eric Chavez went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in his first rehab game Thursday with Triple-A Sacramento. Chavez is working his way back from back problems.
Our View:The third baseman is in the DH spot for now and will eventually work his way to the hot corner.
