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| Rich Harden was rocked by the A's on Tuesday, allowing four runs on two hits and three walks in 2.2 innings. |
Our View: Harden did fan four in the game, but allowed a three run homer to Kevin Kouzmanoff. His problem in the past was never about ability or effectiveness, merely staying healthy was always the issue, but last year he struggled to the tune of a 4.09 ERA despite pitching the most innings in one year since his first full season in 2004. Draft with caution.
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| The Rangers could opt to give Rich Harden an extra day between starts from time to time or occasionally skip him altogether a time or two in an effort to keep him healthy this season, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. |
Our View: This shouldn't be looked at as a negative point by fantasy owners, but instead as a positive one. In the end, it shouldn't cost Harden more than maybe two to four total starts, and if it can succeed in keeping the fragile Harden healthy all year long, it will certainly end up being looked at as a success. He remains one of the better fantasy pitchers in all of baseball when healthy.
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| Rich Harden has passed his physical, and is officially a Texas Ranger, according to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports. |
Our View: The deal will pay him $6.5 million in 2010, while the two sides hold a $11.5 million mutual option for 2011. His $1 million 2011 buyout brings the guaranteed money in his deal to $7.5 million. While Harden brings with him a long injury history, the 26 starts he made last season were the second most of his career, and he has actually remained relatively healthy since the beginning of 2008. This could end up being a huge steal for Texas.
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| Updating an earlier report, the Rangers are believed to be close to signing Rich Harden, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Harden only went 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA over 26 games with the Cubs in 2009, but could benefit from a return to the AL. He could also potentially be an "ace" for Texas, with Kevin Millwood said to be bound for Baltimore.
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| Free agent Rich Harden is willing to sign a one-year, incentive-laden contract, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi. |
Our View: Such a deal would make sense for Harden, who's as talented as any starter on the market but comes with a major injury risk. Expect him to be heavily pursued by the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox and Mariners.
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| Jon Morosi of FOX Sports tweeted that the Mariners remain in contact with Rich Harden's rep. |
Our View: Morosi added that he is uncertain how serious negotiations have progressed. Harden could provide Seattle with a solid complement to ace hurler Felix Hernandez if signed, and he may also benefit from a return to the AL.
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| The Rangers are believed to be interested in hurler Rich Harden, according to MLBblogs.com. |
Our View: Texas is hopeful that Harden would consider signing a one-year deal with incentives. He has been hindered by injuries, and could use a healthy 2010 campaign to boost his free agent stock for a more lucrative deal in the future.
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| The Mariners are trying hard to land free agent pitcher Rich Harden, according to Fox Sports. |
Our View: Harden spent his first six seasons in the American League West, so he would not be a fish out of water in Seattle. He is also a native of nearby Victoria, British Columbia. The M's are facing serious competition from the Red Sox for his services, but sound like they should be considered a slight favorite.
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| According to FOXsports.com, the Red Sox are interested in the services of free agent starter Rich Harden. |
Our View: The Sox have had their eye on Harden for some time now, and he became even more attractive now that the Cubs failed to offer him arbitration. The 28-year-old righty had a 4.06 ERA and struck out 10.9 batters per inning, but those numbers were dwarfed by his 2008 stats where he posted a 2.07 ERA and 11.01 K/9. Boston remains interested though and could be looking to sign him to a long-term deal and then use prospect Clay Buchholz as trade bait. He won't cost them a draft pick, but Harden has had a hard time avoiding the injury bug over his career, to say the least, so he's still a risky sign.
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| Rich Harden has not been offered salary arbitration by the Chicago Cubs, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. |
Our View: Not surprising, as he was never considered a strong candidate to return to the Windy City for the 2010 season. Also not offered arbitration by the Cubbies was Kevin Gregg, Reed Johnson and Chad Fox.
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| The Boston Globe's Chad Finn believes that Rich Harden will be a member of the Red Sox in 2010. |
Our View: It's certainly logical. While many will be scared off by Harden's prolific injury history, Boston has money to gamble on all sorts of risky players. Stay tuned.
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| Free agent pitcher Rich Harden's first choice is to remain with the Cubs, according to the Chicago Tribune. |
Our View: The Cubs have long been rumored to not be interested in bringing the injury prone Harden back, but would likely consider it were he to agree to a short-term, incentive laden deal.
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| MASNSports.com is reporting that the Nationals could be interested in free agent pitcher Rich Harden. Harden is a Type B free agent, so the team would not have to forfeit a draft pick if they were to sign him. |
Our View: Harden looks like a long shot to end up in Washington, but he could be a nice fit. The team has a pitching staff loaded with young talent, so having a veteran presence with the stuff of Harden could be beneficial for guys like Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg.
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| The Cubs are not likely to re-sign injury-prone hurler Rich Harden this offseason, according to the Chicago Tribune. |
Our View: The 26 starts he made last season were the most since the 31 he made for Oakland in 2004. He could find himself in a Ben Sheets type situation this offseason where no team is willing to take any sort of a long-term risk in his fragile arm. He may have to settle for a very undesirable deal.
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| The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Rich Harden has likely pitched his last game in a Cubs' uniform. Harden has said he would like to re-sign with the club, but the Cubs don't appear to have any interest in bringing him back. |
Our View: Lou Pinella discussed the 2010 rotation with the media, and Harden's name was not even mentioned as a candidate. The team has plenty of starting pitching, and the oft-injured Harden is probably not worth the headache for them moving forward.
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| According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have officially shut down starter Rich Harden for the rest of the regular season. |
Our View: Harden insists he's healthy, but he's just not interested in pitching. Manager Lou Piniella said. "He doesn't want to pitch, and we respect his wishes." Whereas Harden followed up with, "It was kind of a mutual decision. It'd be a lot different if we were in it and they needed me to pitch. I'd be out there in a second and I'd be fine. I'm still healthy, feeling good and took that as a positive for this season." He's saying his arm is fatigued, but it sounds like he just doens't want to pitch anymore. As a free agent at the end of the season, his tenure with the Cubs is likely finished.
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| Rich Harden doesn't appear likely to start again in 2009, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. |
Our View: The shut-down does not appear to be related to any discernible injury, just fatigue and recent ineffectiveness. It's quite possible the free-agent-to-be has made his last start for the Cubbies. In one and a half seasons on the North Side, Harden went 14-10 with a 3.31 ERA and 260 strikeouts in 38 starts.
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| ESPNChicago.com is reporting that Cubs' starter Rich Harden is denying a report that he is being shut down for the season. "They're not shutting me down and I am still feeling good and looking forward to getting back out there," Harden told the website on Friday. |
Our View: Harden has struggled lately, but if the Cubs shut down everyone who has been struggling they wouldn't be able to field a team. Fantasy owners should get Harden back for a few more starts, but the way he has been pitching lately it might be better if he was shut down.
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| Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times reports via Twitter that Rich Harden will be skipped in the Cubs rotation. |
Our View: Manager Lou Piniella says that Harden may be bypassed a second time as well. He lasted just three innings against the Brewers on Wednesday and has not pitched well as of late. Physically he's fine, so Sweet Lou obviously isn't thrilled with the way he's throwing and he's riding the pine as a result.
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| Rich Harden tied his shortest outing of the season on Wednesday, allowing five runs (just two earned) in three innings, as Chicago lost 9-5 to Milwaukee at home. |
Our View: Harden has now pitched just seven innings in his past two starts. Just when you think he's taken a giant step forward, he takes a big one back. Don't draft him too high in next year's drafts.
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| Rich Harden allowed one earned run on two hits over four innings in Friday's 6-4 win over the Reds at Wrigley Field. He issued five walks with six strikeouts. |
Our View: Harden had control issues today, evidenced by his five walks. He has not pitched past the fifth inning in any of his last three starts.
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| Rich Harden pitched only five innings on Saturday, but made sure to mow down the Mets while he was in the game, striking out ten, as the Cubs went on to win 5-3 at home. |
Our View: Harden allowed just one run, and has now struck out 47 batters in his past 36 innings.
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| Rich Harden was roughed up for five earned runs on five hits over five innings in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Astros at Wrigley Field. He issued six walks and racked up nine strikeouts. |
Our View: Harden displayed poor control tonight, and falls to 8-8 for 2009. On the positive side, he allowed two or less earned runs in each of his previous eight starts, and still managed to be a good source for strikeouts tonight.
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| ESPN.com is reporting that Rich Harden will remain with the Cubs after the September 1 deadline passes. Harden was claimed by the Twins, but the two sides were reportedly unable to work out a deal. |
Our View: It has been reported that talks had broken down between the two sides, and it looks now as if Harden will be staying put for this season. It would have taken a lot for the Twins to get Harden, and the team likely felt it wasn't worth it to get the guy for one month.
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| The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that sources close to the sitution don't believe Rich Harden will be heading to Minnesota. The Cubs have not allowed the Twins to discuss a contract extension with Harden, which has slowed down talks. |
Our View: The Twins are apparently very enamored with Harden, and some believe they would trade for him even without agreeing to an extension because he is a Type A free agent. The odds are still against a trade, but the possibility remains open.
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| The Minnesota Twins have claimed Rich Harden off waivers, according to ESPN Chicago. |
Our View: The Twins and Cubs have until noon on Monday to reach a deal - something that probably isn't very likely to happen. The Twins would almost certainly not re-sign him, and the Cubs would likely get next to nothing in return for a player that would only be in Minnesota for one month. Stranger things have happened, but don't bet on this one.
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| According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs don't appear interested in trading anyone before the waiver deadline is up on Monday. Both Rich Harden and Aaron Heilman were claimed off waivers, but the Cubs have not been in contact with either claiming team. |
Our View: It sounds like the Cubs are going to keep all of their players and hope that next year goes a little more smoothly than this yeah has. Harden would be a nice addition to a team in contention, but it sounds like even the team who claimed him understands that the Cubs won't be moving him.
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| The Twins may be the mystery team that claimed Rich Harden off waivers from the Cubs, according to ESPN Chicago. |
Our View: If the Twins did claim Harden, the Cubs would likely want a top prospect back in return. Both teams would have 72 hours to work out a deal. This remains merely speculation, and neither Chicago nor Minnesota confirmed the story from ESPN.
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| According to FOXSports.com, Cubs starter Rich Harden and teammate Aaron Heilman have been claimed on waivers by an unknown team. |
Our View: Harden earns $7 million this season, but projects as a Type A free agent, so he has increased value. If the Cubs were to keep him, offer him arbitration and then he signed elsewhere they would receive compensatory draft picks. The Giants, Rockies and Dodgers could all be interested in Harden, but the Cubs won't let him go on the cheap. Stay tuned.
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| Rich Harden allowed just two runs in six innings for his seventh quality start in his last eight outings, but took a no-decision, as the Cubs beat the Nationals 9-4 at home. |
Our View: Harden has been one of the lone bright spots for the Cubs in the second half of the season, and looks to be finally living up to his limitless potential. Whether any team will be able to look beyond his horrifying injury history this offseason is another matter, however.
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| Rich Harden dominated the Padres on Wednesday as the Cubs won in San Diego by a score of 7-1. Harden went seven innings and did not allow a run on one hit while walking three and striking out eight. |
Our View: Harden is now 8-7 on the season, but he showed tonight what he is capable of. If they Cubs can get this out of Harden every fifth day, they can stay in the playoff race. Given Harden's track record, however, that seems unlikely.
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| According to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald, Rich Harden will be skipped in the rotation since he warmed up before Sunday's rain out with the Pirates. |
Our View: Harden appears to be made of glass and the Cubs likely don't want to add any extra strain to his fragile arm. He will likely get the start on Thursday.
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| Rich Harden took a perfect game into the sixth inning on Tuesday night, but ended up taking a no-decision, as the Cubs lost 4-3 to Philadelphia in 12 innings at home. |
Our View: The defeat was crushing for the Cubs, but another great start for Harden. The hard-throwing righty has now allowed just eight earned runs in his last 37 innings pitched, good for a 1.95 ERA.
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| Rich Harden struck out nine Reds in six innings on Wednesday, but got out-dueled by journeyman Justin Lehr, as the Cubs lost 4-0 in Cincinnati. |
Our View: Harden now has 20 strikeouts in his last two starts, and has really settled down after an abysmal June and early July.
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| Rich Harden allowed two earned runs on five hits over five innings in Friday's 5-2 loss at Florida. He had three walks and racked up 11 strikeouts. |
Our View: Harden was dealt a no-decision, but fantasy owners should be pleased with his 11 K's. He has not taken a loss over his last three starts, and allowed two or less earned runs in each of his last four.
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| Rich Harden was magnificent on Sunday, allowing just one hit while striking out eight in six innings of work, as the Cubs beat the Reds 5-2 to take over first place in the National League Central. |
Our View: That's three straight impressive Harden starts after the righty struggled for most of June and early July. He's no longer walking so many batters, and giving himself and the Cubs a much better chance to win.
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| Rich Harden turned in his second straight quality start by allowing just one run in seven innings on Tuesday, but took a no-decision as the Cubs lost 4-1 to the Phillies in 13 innings. |
Our View: Harden appeared lost through much of May and June, but is finally getting back on track. His walks have been way down his last five starts, while his innings have been up. He's again safe to start every time out.
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| Rich Harden rebounded from a string of bad starts on Thursday night, and won for only the second time since May 12, as the Cubs beat the Nationals 6-2 in Washington. |
Our View: It was also his first start all season in which he did not walk a batter. Harden has not been the pitcher the Cubs thought he would be in 2009, posting a 5.06 ERA in 80 innings, but he has continued to strike out a high number of batters, and could really help the Cubs get going if he could rip off a couple of good starts in a row. Despite his struggles, he should be owned in every format.
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| Rich Harden was roughed up for four earned runs on seven hits over five innings in Friday's 8-3 loss to the rival Cardinals at Wrigley Field. He issued four walks with six strikeouts. |
Our View: Harden now has a losing record at 5-6, and his ERA rises to 5.47. He has given up 11 earned runs over two starts this month, and continues to struggle after going 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA over four outings in June.
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| Rich Harden got hammered by the Brewers on Saturday as the Cubs fell 11-2. Harden went only two innings and allowed seven runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out one. He is now 5-5 on the year. |
Our View: This is about as bad a performance as you will ever see from Harden. He didn't have the good stuff today, and fantasy owners are paying the price. Keep trotting him out there unless these starts become a habit.
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| Rich Harden was in control from the mound in Monday's 3-1 win at Pittsburgh, as he only allowed one earned run on nine hits over seven innings. He had one walk and racked up nine strikeouts. |
Our View: Harden now has a winning record at 5-4, and he lowered his ERA to 4.57. He snapped a four-game streak without earning a win. He is pitching well as he allowed two or less earned runs in three of his last four outings.
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| Rich Harden gave up four runs (two earned) on four hits over 5.1 innings in Wednesday's 5-3 loss at Detroit. He had four walks and three strikeouts, and allowed two homers. |
Our View: Harden falls to 4-4, and his ERA rises to 4.95. He is winless over his last four starts.
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| Rich Harden was roughed up by the Indians in Friday's 8-7 win at Wrigley Field, as he gave up seven earned runs on seven hits over five innings. He had three walks and two strikeouts, and was tagged for two homers. |
Our View: Harden had a nightmarish outing, and is lucky he was dealt a no-decision rather than a loss. Harden is now winless over his last three starts.
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| Rich Harden returned to the Cubs' rotation on Saturday and was hit with the L in his team's 2-0 loss to the Twins. Harden went six innings and allowed two runs on five hits while walking two and striking out nine. |
Our View: Harden was excellent today, but his offense couldn't manage to give him any help. The nine strikeouts in six innings is very impressive, but perhaps the bigger story is th fact that he only walked two. If he can keep the walks and the pitch count down, Harden can be a very good fantasy pitcher.
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| As expected, the Cubs have activated starter Rich Harden to pitch on Saturday, according to MLB.com. In a corresponding move, the team optioned Bobby Scales to Triple-A Iowa. |
Our View: Harden will be on an 85-pitch limit in today's start, and with his usually high pitch count he figures to be a risky play in today's game. If you don't need him today, it may be better to sit him against the hot Twins' lineup.
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| Rich Harden will be on a pitch count of about 85 pitches when he returns to the Cubs rotation this Saturday against the Minnesota Twins according to the Chicago Sun-Times. |
Our View: Harden has had control issues this season, and this coupled with the fact there will be some inevitable rust with him coming off the disabled list make him a dubious start for your team this weekend. The odds of him pitching overly effectively or picking up the win seem lower than him walking five batters or lasting only four innings. Unless absolutely necessary, wait until his next start to pencil him into your lineup.
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| Rich Harden (back strain) fared well in Monday's rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, according to the Associated Press. He fired six strikeouts and allowed three hits and two walks over four-plus innings against Round Rock. |
Our View: Harden threw 70 pitches, with 44 landing for strikes. It looks like he should be ready to return to the Cubs' rotation this weekend, potentially Saturday against Minnesota.
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| Rich Harden (back strain) has been scratched from Sunday's rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, according to the Chicago Tribune. |
Our View: A reason why he was scratched was not disclosed. He was slated to pitch against the Twins Friday at Wrigley Field, but now looks to be pushed back.
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| According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs' starter Rich Harden is set to make a five-inning rehab start on Sunday. Harden is suffering from a lower back strain, and he is expected to return to the Cubs' rotation next Friday. |
Our View: Harden threw a strong bullpen session on Thursday, and the team is optimistic he will be able to return next week. Barring a setback during his rehab start, fantasy owners should be ready to activate Harden for his start next Friday.
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| According to Bleachernation.com, injured starter Rich Harden threw 33 pitches in a pain-free bullpen session on Tuesday. |
Our View: Harden is set to throw another bullpen session on Thursday and then make a rehab start after that. If all goes well, he could be ready to rejoin the Cubs for their inter-league series against the Twins June 12-14.
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| According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Rich Harden played catch on Thursday for the first time since landing on the DL with a lower back strain. Harden is expected to rejoin the Cubs' rotation within the next two weeks. |
Our View: This is a step in the right direction for Harden, but it looks like he is still a few weeks from returning. Fantasy owners shouldn't worry too much since this is not an arm injury, but Harden is always at risk so keep that in mind going forward.
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| According to MLBlogs.com, Rich Harden has yet to start a throwing program since landing on the DL and likely won't be available to return on time when his stint is up. |
Our View: Harden not being injured is like Carrot Top not using props. Don't expect him to rush back in a timely fashion, but at least the injury isn't arm related. When Harden does eventually return Sean Marshall will likely get bumped to the bullpen as Neal Cotts is currently the only lefty.
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| The Chicago Tribune reports that Rich Harden has been placed on the 15-day DL with a back strain. Randy Wells will take his place in the rotation. This is his seventh stint on the DL since 2005. |
Our View: Harden landing on the DL is one of the few givens of the MLB season. The injury does not sound as if it is a very serious one and it's certainly good news that it has nothing to do with his arm. He is eligible to return on June 2.
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| Rich Harden improved to 4-1 on the season with six innings of two-run ball in which he allowed just four hits and one walk while striking out five. |
Our View: Harden had a nice start, but hasn't been nearly as dominant this season as he was last year. He's still striking out more than 11 batters per nine innings, but sports a 4.54 ERA and has trouble going deep in games. He has only gotten past the sixth inning once this season.
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| Rich Harden picked up his third win of the season as the Cubs won 6-3 in Houston on Wednesday. He lasted seven innings and allowed eight hits, three walks, and struck out four batters. |
Our View: This was Harden's longest outing of the season, and he needed only 99 pitches (low for him) to get 21 outs. It was also a nice bounce back performance after allowing five runs in 3.2 innings his last time out. He has been much better on the road than at Wrigley this season.
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| Rich Harden had a rough outing on Friday, lasting only 3.2 innings while allowing five runs on six hits with four walks and only two strikeouts. The Cubs managed to come back and beat the Marlins 8-6. |
Our View: Harden has been very inconsistent this season, and after his best start of the year on Sunday he was torched today. The most puzzling thing about this start was not that he only lasted 3.2 innings, but that he only struck out two hitters. He can usually give fantasy owners strikeouts even when he pitches poorly, but not today. Harden owners will have to wait and see which Rich Harden will show up in his next outing, but his upside still make him a very good fantasy option.
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| Rich Harden was nasty on Sunday against the Cardinals. He struck out nine in six innings and earned his second win of the season. The lefty flamethrower gave up just two runs on four hits and a pair of walks in the Cubs 10-3 win over the Cardinals. |
Our View: Harden's performance kept the Cubs from getting swept by the first place Cardinals and dropped his ERA under 4.00. He still has trouble going deep into games because of his high pitch counts, but fantasy owners love all the Ks those pitch counts generate.
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| Rich Harden struck out eight batters in six innings while picking up his first win of the season on Tuesday. He gave up three hits, two walks, and two earned runs in the 7-2 win over the Reds. |
Our View: Harden was chased early from his last start, but responded well tonight. He already has 26 strikeouts in 15 innings of work, making him an extremely valuable fantasy option even when he is giving up a home run per start as he is now.
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| Rich Harden was chased after just three innings in his start Wednesday against the Rockies. He gave up four runs on five hits and four walks. He also struck out eight. |
Our View: This was an absolutely crazy start by Harden. Eight of the nine outs he recorded were by strikeout, which is impressive, but he also gave up five hits and four runs in that span. He threw 92 pitches as well. Yes, that's right. 92 pitches in three innings. He wasn't sharp today, but the eight k's still show he is a good fantasy pitcher. Don't get too worried about one bad start.
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| Rich Harden tossed six strong innings on Friday, but failed to get the win as the Cubs' bullpen collapsed. Harden allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks, and struck out an impressive ten Brewers. |
Our View: Harden's stuff was electric once again, as he fanned ten, but it's still the same old story with him. He can't go deep into games. He appeared to be running out of gas in the 6th, which is usually as far as he gets in a start.
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| Rich Harden was rocked for eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits over 3.2 innings in Saturday's 10-1 loss to the Yankees, with four walks and two strikeouts. He allowed three home runs. |
Our View: He has now allowed 12 earned runs over his last two spring outings. He has until April 10 to get on track, which is when he is slated to make his first start of the season at Milwaukee.
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| Rich Harden gave up three home runs in 4.2 innings as the Cubs tied the Royals 8-8 on Monday. He allowed four hits, two walks, and five earned runs while striking out four. |
Our View: Harden has had a pretty rough spring, but he has been phenomenal in his career when healthy. The Cubs believe he can make 30-plus starts this season and if he does he could challenge to be a top 10 starter. However, he has not made 30 starts since 2004.
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| Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild feels that Rich Harden should be able to make it through a full season as a member of the Cubs rotation, according to ESPN.com. "He's really worked hard, made some changes in his delivery, and I'm hopeful he'll make it through the year," Rothschild said. "He's a special guy." |
Our View: He is a special guy...when he's healthy. Fantasy owners should be well aware of Harden's tendency to land on the DL for long durations. There are few pitchers in baseball that are more effective than Harden when he is healthy. In 148 innings pitched last season, he had a 2.07 ERA to go with 181 strikeouts.
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| The Chicago Tribune reports that Rich Harden threw four shutout innings on Wednesday in a minor league game. He struck out four in the process. |
Our View: Harden missed his last start due to food poisoning and he reportedly lost seven pounds during his battle with it. He looks back to normal, and should be ready to go for opening day.
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| Rich Harden was scratched from today's start due to flu-like symptoms, according to the Daily Herald. |
Our View: He is pitching a simulated game on the back field instead, and will then head home. Harden should be fine with some rest.
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| Rich Harden lasted just 2.2 innings in Sunday's 10-7 win over Arizona. He allowed three runs on three hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. |
Our View: The Cubs would have liked to see him go four innings, but this is the usual with Harden. He expends a lot of pitches to maneuver through each inning and the result is a pitcher who rarely works deep into games. Effective? Yes. Durable? No.
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| Rich Harden pitched well against Mariners on Tuesday, throwing two scoreless innings while surrendering just two hits. |
Our View: If he can shake his past of injuries, Harden, who is yet to eclipse 200 innings in any one season, can be an absolute monster in the No. 2 spot in the Cubs' rotation.
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| Rich Harden stated he is on schedule to be ready for his first regular-season start April 10 at Milwaukee, according to the Chicago Tribune. He was limited by a shoulder ailment last season, and he said, "I am feeling great, feeling strong. There is no doubt in my mind I will be ready. I know everybody is concerned about that, or everybody outside the organization. Here, everybody knows what is going on."
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Our View: Harden has a poor track record with durability, but he is aiming to make 30 starts in 2009. Harden could be a solid fantasy pitcher - namely in the strikeouts category - if he can stay intact.
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| Rich Harden is slated to throw live batting practice Tuesday, but is yet to be scheduled to pitch in a game, according to the Chicago Tribune. He battled a shoulder ailment last season that limited him to 25 starts (148 innings). |
Our View: He has a poor track record with durability, but is aiming to make 30 starts in 2009. Harden could be a solid fantasy pitcher - namely in the strikeouts category - if he can stay intact.
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| Rich Harden spent most of the offseason in Arizona preparing for the upcoming baseball season, according to the Cubs' official site. He has a goal to make 30 starts for the Cubs this season, which would be the most he's made since 2004 when he took the mound 31 times for Oakland. |
Our View: Harden has only started 63 games in the last four years, but 25 of them came last year between Oakland and Chicago. He's always a risk in fantasy due to his injury history, but in 12 starts with the Cubs last year he went 5-1 with a 1.77 ERA, so he may be worth drafting in the middle rounds of most leagues.
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| As expected, Cubs pitcher Rich Harden will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic, according to the Chicago Tribune. Said Harden,
"If I was 100 percent and it was a different year and different scenario, I would have jumped at the opportunity to play in the WBC." |
Our View: Harden was a candidate for Team Canada. He has a small tear in his pitching shoulder, so he may not be ready for spring training, much less the WBC. Fantasy owners know the routine with the potentially dominating righty by now. The few times he's healthy, Harden is worth a roster spot, but those times remain infrequent.
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| The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Rich Harden has a tear in his shoulder that is "just severe enough that some players might seek surgery but slight enough to be in a range often treated effectively with a strengthening program, therapy and a well- managed work schedule." Pitching coach Larry Rothschild added, "He's not close to throwing off a mound yet. There's some issues there, no question." |
Our View: Harden has a long history of injuries and lengthy DL stints. This news should raise all sorts of red flags and it could be a long season for owners who draft and hold onto Harden. However, he is on a rigorous program aimed at strengthening the shoulder, and the team maintains that he is still expected to be on the Opening Day roster.
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| The Cubs have decided to pick up Rich Harden's $7 million option for 2009, according to the AP. |
Our View: The team was waiting for the 30-year-old pitcher to visit with a shoulder specialist before making a decision on his option, but the team is apparently not concerned about the injury-prone pitcher's health after picking up his option. He maintained a solid 2.07 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 148 innings this season.
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| Rich Harden will have his shoulder examined this week, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs want to know if there are any problems before deciding whether or not to pick up his $7 million option for next season. |
Our View: Harden's velocity dropped significantly towards the end of the season. He still had an outstanding season overall, with an ERA of 2.07 and 10 wins over 25 starts and 148 innings. He will always be a high-risk, high-rewards type of guy for fantasy owners based on his yearly injuries.
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| Rich Harden allowed three earned runs on five hits over 4.1 innings in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS, with three walks and four strikeouts. |
Our View: Harden was strong in the regular season with a 10-2 record and 2.07 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, but could not prevent the Cubs from getting swept by the Dodgers.
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| Rich Harden says his shoulder is fine despite that he had to get a cortisone shot last month, according to the Arlington Daily Herald. "Just regular maintenance," said Harden. "I guess some people think it's an issue. There's nothing going on. Regular maintenance, getting ready for the postseason." |
Our View: Harden will always be a question mark health-wise, but he shouldn't be hampered at all by the shoulder tonight.
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| Rich Harden will have his next start pushed back to Thursday with Sean Marshall filling in on Tuesday, according to the Cubs Official Website. Harden is not hurt. "Harden says it's the best he's felt, but we're starting to get ourselves rearranged for the postseason," manager Lou Pinella said. |
Our View: We will take the club at its word here, though with Harden you always have to hold your breath when any changes are enacted. If you have Harden on your roster you simply cannot bench him, so roll him out there an hope the Cubs are on the up and up.
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| Rich Harden only gave up one hit in five innings and struck out seven but he also walked six Brewers. In Harden's five innings his pitch total rose quickly to 115. When Harden exited after the fifth inning, he was in line for the win but the bullpen gave it back to the Brewers. The Cubs offense came to the bullpen's rescue as they rallied for a 7-6 win in 11 innings. |
Our View: This was Harden's second start since returning to the hill and his lack of control might have some Cubs fans worried. Even though his walk numbers were higher than normal, Harden is averaging over 11 strikeouts per nine innings.
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| Rich Harden helped to defeat the Cardinals on Thursday night as he worked six innings allowing just two runs in his 10th win of the year, fifth with the Cubs, despite reduced velocity on his fastball. |
Our View: This was Harden's first appearance since August 29th, and while he only struck out three batters he needed just 86 pitches to make it through six innings in what must be deemed a successful return to the hill for the oft injured one.
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| The struggling Cubs lost again Tuesday, but it was a good day nonetheless as starting pitchers Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden look like they will be good to make their next starts. Harden, 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA since joining the Cubs on July 8, is set to rejoin the rotation on Thursday. |
Our View: He missed one start with discomfort in his arm. Zambrano was scheduled to go Saturday after missing one turn. Harden threw a side session on Monday and Zambrano threw Tuesday.
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| Rich Harden threw Friday without experiencing any problems according to the AP. He missed his last start with discomfort in his arm. |
Our View: It appears Harden will be available to go on Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. He has a 1.50 ERA in 54 innings with the Cubs this season.
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| Cubs pitcher Rich Harden has discomfort in his throwing arm, which is why the Cubs skipped his last start, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Harden said he was feeling pretty good, but, "I've had a little bit of, I guess you could call it discomfort, but nothing serious." |
Our View: Bad news for Cubs fans, not to mention fantasy owners, especially with Carlos Zambrano's shoulder problems. Injuries to these two hurlers are the only thing that could stop the Cubs from making a deep playoff run.
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| In an effort to keep him healthy, the Chicago Cubs are giving hurler Rich Harden a few extra days of rest, and he will skip his next start, according to Cubs.com. |
Our View: Harden has been brilliant all season, and his overall ERA on the year is 1.99, and he is averaging 11.47 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
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| Rich Harden allowed one earned run on three hits over five innings in Friday's 3-2 win over the Phillies on the north side of Chicago, with four walks and five strikeouts. Philadelphia was leading the game 2-0 when he exited, so he was dealt a no decision. |
Our View: He ended the month of August with a 3-0 record over five starts, and allowed one or less earned runs in four straight.
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| The Cubs found another strong outing from ace Rich Harden off the mound today, putting Washington to bed for the 6-1 win. Harden pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on two hits with no walks and 11 strikeouts. |
Our View: Harden has been everything the Cubbies could want and more. He's on fire, touting three consecutive win with four winners over his last five starts. He has allowed just six walks versus 40 strikeouts over that same span.
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| The Cubbies put the hurt on the Cincinnati Reds this evening, thanks to the arm of ace Rich Harden. Harden went seven innings of shutout baseball, allowing just two hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts. |
Our View: One of the more dominating performances of Harden's season, the hurler can count it as another in a string of strong starts. Since July 21, Harden has pitched 36 2/3 innings, allowing a combined total of seven earned runs with 11 walks and 49 strikeouts.
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| Rich Harden picked up his second win with Chicago by throwing five shutout innings and allowing just two hits in the Cubs 8-0 blowout of Atlanta. Harden walked five and struck out two. |
Our View: Harden has been fantastic for the Cubs since they acquired him, and despite his control issues tonight, he remains a valuable fantasy contributor.
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| MLB.com reports Chicago Cubs SP Rich Harden (1-1, 1.11 ERA) will start Tuesday, August 5, against the Houston Astros. |
Our View: Harden has given up one or fewer earned runs in each of his past four starts. Harden has always had all-world talent, he just needs to stay away from the DL.
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| Rich Harden must really like pitching in the National League, because he's been awfully good since coming to Chicago. He got his first NL win today, throwing seven innings, allowing one earned run and striking out nine. |
Our View: Harden has an ERA of 1.11 since joining the Cubs and has yet to give up more than one run in a game. His nine strikeouts were the fewest he has recorded in a game since he was traded.
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| It took 12 innings, but the Marlins found the hits in the 12th inning to pull the dramatic 3-2 win over the Cubs, wasting another strong outing from RHP Rich Harden . Harden didn't go deep, pitching just five innings, but he allowed just one run on two lowly hits with three walks and an impressive 10 strikeouts. |
Our View: Harden gets no decision and the an ERA drop to 2.10. Five innings ain't much, but fans would agree that the team would be wise to rest that arm. Besides, they should have pulled this one out, indicating the bullpen may be more of a concern than we think.
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| Rich Harden struck out 10 Diamondbacks over seven innings on Monday, but he took a loss. The right-hander also allowed only one hit and one run (a solo homer), but Randy Johnson and two relievers held the Cubs scoreless. |
Our View: Harden appears to be adjusting to NL life quite nicely, as he has 20 whiffs and one run allowed over 12.1 innings. The wins will come.
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| It took 11 innings, but the Cubbies have laid the San Francisco Giants to rest, 8-7. The win in late innings failed to give newly-acquired ace Rich Harden his first win as a National League employee, though the righty pitched well, going 5 1/3 innings by allowing no runs on five hits with three walks and 10 strikeouts. |
Our View: That brings Harden to an ERA of 2.19 and gives fans in Chicago a reason to feel optimistic. Harden now tallies three wins over his last six starts with just one loss and five combined earned runs allowed along the way.
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| The Cubs have announced newly-acquired ace Rich Harden will make his first start as a Cub this weekend, though they have not specified if it will be on Friday or Saturday, according to CBSSports.com. |
Our View: Chicago manager Lou Piniella said Wednesday that since the Cubs do have six starters they have the luxury of giving someone an extra day of rest, and at this point, it is believed that Harden will be the lucky recipient of the day off. We will update when the Cubs specify which day he'll hit the mound, but for now, we know his NL debut will come against the Giants.
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| Rich Harden has been traded to the Chicago Cubs for Matt Murton, Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson and Josh Donaldson.
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Our View: Harden has been dominant this year while posting a 2.34 ERA and 10.75 K/9 ratio in the AL. Now in the NL, he could see 10 or more wins in the second half, but that will be if he can remain healthy. His ERA could actually increase now that he's pitching in Wrigley.
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| The Cubs have reportedly been talking with Athletics' GM Billy Beane with interest in acquiring Rich Harden, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. |
Our View: CC Sabathia went to the second-place Brewers, who only trail the Cubs by 3.5 games in the NL Central. The Cubs are now feeling more pressure to land a front-line starter and would like to counter Milwaukee with Harden, who is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 13 starts. The A's may not want to deal him right now however, as they are in a tight race of their own (only six games back in the AL West).
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| Rich Harden suffered his first loss of the season on Sunday against the White Sox. He lasted just five innings, walked four, struck out four and gave up five hits. |
Our View: Harden continues to be handled with care by the A's coaching staff. His last two appearances have lasted only five innings. Harden holds a 2.34 ERA and, given his injury history, may be a good sell-high candidate for fantasy owners.
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| Rich Harden had decreased velocity of four to five miles per hour in his start Tuesday night, saying he had "kind of a dead arm," according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Harden got a no decision, pitching five innings and allowing two earned runs against the Angels in the start. |
Our View: Pitchers often feel this type of fatigue during the middle of the long baseball season, so this probably isn't something to fret about if you have Harden on your fantasy staff. However, with his history of injuries, it is worth keeping an eye on.
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| Reports out of baseball are indicating Oakland general manager Billy Beane may be preparing to step down from his post at the end of the season, according to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News. |
Our View: Ringolsby reports assistant GM David Frost has refused several requests for comment while rumors that Beane has a strong desire to try his hand in managing in the MLS (that's right, professional soccer) continue to swirl. A's owner Lewis Wolf also owns the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS and Beane may decide to focus his attention on the soccer franchise in '09. It is unclear whether Beane will remain involved with the baseball operations. We will update if more news becomes available.
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| Rich Harden ran his record to 5-0 after going eight innings while allowing just two hits and no earned runs in Oakland's 5-0 victory over Philadelphia. He also struck out 11 batters. |
Our View: Harden's ERA now stands at 2.15, and though he will always remain an injury risk, he is dominant when healthy and a must start.
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| Rich Harden needed 98 pitches to make it through 5.2 innings, but in the end he held the Marlins to just one earned run in a no-decision. |
Our View: Harden only walked two batters while striking out five, but with such an extensive injury history, the A's are doing their best to limit Harden to under 100 pitches per outing if possible.
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| Rich Harden is getting almost predictable. Each time he takes the ball he dominated his opponent. For the second start in a row, Harden recorded nine strikeouts and kept his record perfect, helping Oakland to a 4-0 victory over the Giants. |
Our View: Can owners put Harden's health issues aside? The A's right-hander has delivered one strong start after another, with his best of the season coming Saturday, albeit against the Giants. Or is it time to sell high on the ace? History tells us he will suffer an injury, and conservative owners sitting in the league catbird seat right now would be well advised to find out what Harden's worth on the open market.
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| Give LHP Rich Harden full credit, for he was as stellar as could be promised this evening as Oakland put the dominating 4-0 win over San Francisco. Harden pitched six innings of shutout baseball, allowing just one hit and two walks along the way. Harden totaled nine strikeouts, four ground outs, and four fly outs to get the win, his fourth of the season. |
Our View: Harden has yet to suffer a loss and is now turning as healthy and dominate as we all hoped he would be at this point of his career.
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| Oakland RHP Rich Harden put forth a noteworthy effort today in support of the 7-3 extra-inning win over the Angels, pitching six innings to allow three runs (all earned) on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts. Harden left the mound and let a group of five relievers reel in the win, giving Harden no decision. |
Our View: This just his eighth start of the season, suffering three consecutive no-decisions in his last three outings. Harden has gone at least six innings in each of those starts, surrendering a combined total of six earned runs, six walks, and 22 strikeouts.
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| Rich Harden struck out eight Tigers over 6.2 innings on Monday night. He also allowed five hits and two runs and walked three. Harden was saddled with a no-decision. |
Our View: Harden has now made it through five straight starts without suffering an injury (knock on wood). His digits continue to be wonderful, and he's once again proving he has the stuff to be a fantasy ace.
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| Rich Harden didn't pick up a win Wednesday, but it wasn't his fault. The righty allowed just one run on five hits while striking out five over seven innings in a 2-1 loss to Toronto. |
Our View: Harden now boasts a 1.35 ERA over his last three starts, and it appears, at least for the time being, that his shoulder injury is behind him.
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| Rich Harden allowed one run on four hits, walked one and struck out eight over seven innings for his second win of the season. |
Our View: Harden and the A's ended Atlanta's eight-game home winning streak and the hard-throwing right hander was allowed to throw 100 pitches in his second start off the disabled list. Dare we suggest his owners put him on the market after this impressive outing?
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| Rich Harden's first start back from the disabled list wasn't good. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed five runs on eight hits, walked four and struck out five in 3.2 innings of work against the Rangers. |
Our View: His pitch count (87) was promising, however, meaning the Oakland ace will be allowed to throw 100 in his next start. Harden is scheduled to take the mound on Friday against the Atlanta Braves.
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| Rich Harden, who returned from a month long stay on the disabled list, threw 87 pitches in his first start against the Rangers. The hard-throwing right-hander was far from impressive allowing five runs on eight hits, walked four and struck out five in 3.2 innings of work. |
Our View: Harden was rusty despite receiving ample rehab innings. As long as Harden stays healthy he is a starting option in all formats.
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| The A's have activated Rich Harden off the 15-day DL, and the right-hander will start against the Rangers on Sunday, the Ticker confirms. Harden has been out since April 3 due to a strained right shoulder. |
Our View: Let's hope Harden can last more than two starts before his next trip to the DL.
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| The A's announced on Wednesday that Rich Harden would come off the disabled list on Sunday and start against the Rangers, according to the Sports Ticker. |
Our View: The often injured Harden has been on the DL since April 2 with a right shoulder strain. There was no indication that Harden will be on a strict pitch count in his first start back, but this has been the case in previous returns for the hard-throwing right-hander.
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| Rich Harden was mostly brilliant in his second rehab start on Tuesday. He allowed only three hits over six scoreless innings and struck out nine batters. Harden walked none but did plunk three guys. He was pitching for High-A Stockton. Harden has been out since April 2 due to a right shoulder strain. |
Our View: The A's will likely update his timetable on Tuesday night or Wednesday. He could be back in the majors by Sunday, May 11 if he's deemed to be ready.
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| Rich Harden was pleased with the results of his rehab start Thursday, as he allowed three hits and a run while striking out four over 3 2/3 innings. He threw 50 pitches. "I was actually pretty happy with my command," he told the San Francisco Chronicle. "That's something I wanted to get out of it, and that's what I wanted to work on because it hadn't been that good in my simulated game. I felt like I was hitting my spots. For the most part, I threw a lot of strikes." Harden, who has been out since April 2 with a strain under his right arm, is scheduled for another rehab start Tuesday and if all goes well, he's likely to return to the A's rotation on May 11. |
Our View: Obviously this is a positive step, but make sure the right-hander doesn't have a setback in his next outing before you count on him returning on time.
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| Rich Harden threw a 25-pitch side session, all fastballs, and he is scheduled for a rehab start at Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, according to the SF Chronicle. Harden is likely to make another start after that, meaning his most likely date to return to the rotation is May 11 at Texas or, depending on how the team shuffles the rotation, May 13 at Cleveland. He is recovering from a right shoulder strain. |
Our View: Harden was a solid 1-0 over 11 innings this season, with a 0.82 ERA and 15 strikeouts, before getting hurt. He would be a fantasy stud if he wasn't so fragile. Take what you can get out of him when he returns.
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| Rich Harden will throw a simulated game at Safeco Field this afternoon with a pitch count of around 50, according to the SF Chronicle. He has been on the shelf with a right shoulder strain since April 2. Harden is most likely to return for the May 9-11 series at Texas.
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Our View: Harden was a solid 1-0 over 11 innings this season, with a 0.82 ERA and 15 strikeouts, before getting hurt. He would be a fantasy stud if he wasn't so fragile.
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| Rich Harden threw 16 pitches in the bullpen on Wednesday, only the second time that he has been on the hill since his last start on April 2nd, according to MLB.com. Harden threw the pitches at about 80%. Harden will throw a simulated game on Saturday, but after that no one is quite sure what will happen next. |
Our View: Whatever you get out of Harden this season be thankful for. Hopefully you didn't reach on him this season as there is just no way good things can be predicted from the fragile flame-thrower.
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| Rich Harden threw long toss for the second time in three days, but has yet to do any work off a mound, according to the SF Chronicle. He continues to rehab from a right shoulder strain. |
Our View: He is eligible to come off the DL on Friday, but won't likely return to Oakland until early May.
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| Rich Harden made 25 throws from roughly 80 feet on Thursday. It was his first such activity since he went on the DL due to a strained back muscle behind his right shoulder, the Oakland Tribune reports. |
Our View: We don't have an exact timetable for Harden's return, but there are typically quite a few steps in between playing catch and starting in a major league game. The A's aren't going to rush the oft-injured Harden back.
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| Rich Harden hasn't begun throwing, but he believes he will do so soon, according to the SF Chronicle. The team is giving him an extra few days to make sure there is no lingering soreness in his ailing right shoulder. |
Our View: Oakland's ace pitcher continues to progress very slowly.
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| The A's think there's a chance Rich Harden could be back in the rotation by the end of the month, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Harden is out due to a muscle strain under his right arm. He did not play catch on Sunday due to the cold weather. |
Our View: We won't really have a good feel for Harden until he advances beyond things like playing catch.
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| Rich Harden is headed to the 15-day disabled list, this according to Inside Bay Area. Harden is nursing a strained back muscle that is slow to improve.
Joey Devine will be called up from Triple-A Sacramento to take Harden's spot on the roster.
This is Harden's sixth stint on the DL since the start of the 2005 season. |
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| After tossing the ball around on Wednesday, A's right-hander Rich Harden, said he doesn't think he's likely to be on the mound Saturday at Cleveland, this according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Harden said the strain is on his right side, basically under his arm, and he still feels it when he throws. The injury is minor, according to Harden, but he and the team don't want him to push it and make things worse.
Lenny DiNardo is expected to get Saturday's start in place of Harden. |
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| Rich Harden was scratched for his Tuesday start but he is expected to return to the mound on Saturday against Cleveland, according to the Miami Herald. His actual ailment was never revealed, but it is believed to be back soreness caused from the team's long flight to Japan. This is good news, as there was initial fear that Harden may have been making a trip to the DL. |
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| You knew it was too good to be true didn't you? On Monday night the A's announced that Rich Harden would be scratched from his start on Tuesday night and replaced by Chad Gaudin, this according to the San Francisco Chronicle. At this point we have no idea why Harden will be held out of the start, but the report hints that a DL trip is possible, then again, the same thing could be said for Harden every day of the year. |
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| Rich Harden was limited by a strictly enforced pitch count (do not fear, he is not injured) in his second outing today, working just 5 innings in today's 5-0 shutout loss to the Boston Red Sox. Despite the short stint on the mound, Harden looked solid, allowing no runs on just four hits, walking four but striking out 6. This brings Harden to 11 innings over two starts, allowing a total of just one run on seven hits with 15 strike outs, touting an ERA of 0.82 with a .179 BAA. |
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| Rich Harden dazzled the Red Sox with six strong innings of work on Wednesday. He allowed three hits and one run, walked three, struck out nine, and earned his first win since April 4, 2007. It was Harden's first start since July 7, and the results were clearly promising. |
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| Rich Harden continues to progress this spring and has been effective in all of his outings. Harden pitched six innings and allowed two runs in Oakland's 6-1 loss to the Angels on Wednesday. The hard throwing right-hander struck out four, walked one and is ready to begin the season with a clean bill of health. All Harden needs is to start 30 games this year (any year for that matter), and he's a Cy Young candidate based on talent alone. |
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| Rich Harden worked six innings on Wednesday and allowed eight hits and two runs to the Angels. He also walked one and struck out four. Harden posted a 5.73 ERA over his previous 11.0 innings this spring. Wednesday marked his longest outing and the best indication yet that he is ready following an injury-plagued 2007. |
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| Rich Harden , making his second spring start after missing most of last season with a sore right shoulder, was roughed up for three runs on four hits and a walk in the first inning of a 6-7 loss to the Cubs, according to MLB.com. Harden allowed seven hits (five for extra bases), four runs, two walks and a home run, while whiffing two in his three innings. However, Harden remains positive that he is headed in the right direction, saying he was working on realigning his motion so that his arm, hip and legs all moved fluidly and directly toward home plate. Coming into the spring, Harden hadn't pitched since last July 7. When asked what working on these mechanics would help, Harden answered, "Everything." |
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| Rich Harden was pleased with his first spring outing Monday despite giving up two runs on four hits over three innings. "I'm glad that guys were able to get on, because I really only upped that intensity level for a couple of pitches," he said in the Mercury News. "I just wanted to stay in control, and I was able to do that." Health is always the issue with Harden. Will this be the year he stays pain-free enough to make 30 starts? Don't bet on it. |
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| Rich Harden highlights from Wednesday's intrasquad contest featured impressive work from the right-hander, according to the Mercury News.
The right-hander allowed but one opposite-field single, to Emil Brown, and struck out two in two innings
"Oh yeah, I've been feeling that way the last couple of weeks," Harden said. "(Until Wednesday) I'd been limited to two simulated innings."
His next trip to the mound will be Monday in a Cactus League game against the Los Angeles Angels. |
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| The A's are already trying to simulate game-type conditions for Rich Harden and Joe Blanton, the two pitchers scheduled to start the March 25-26 season-opening series in Tokyo against Boston, according to the Mercury News. The oft-injured Harden threw 40 pitches, including a few breaking balls, off a mound Monday. The right-hander enters camp healthy, but it should only be a matter of time before he comes down with his first ailment. |
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| Rich Harden had a good day on Monday as he fired 40 pitches in a sort of simulated game according to a report on MLB.com. "It's somewhere between a bullpen and batting practice," said manager Bob Geren. "He threw the ball great. I liked the way the ball was coming out of his hands." Any ball coming out of his hands is a great sign, and while all signs look great this spring for Harden, we have seen this too many times before. Harden has to be drafted based on his potential alone in all fantasy leagues, but you will likely end up kicking yourself if you reach at all to call his name. |
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| Rich Harden threw his first bullpen session of Spring Training on Friday, and according to the team's official website, the results were positive.
Harden threw 40 pitches to Kurt Suzuki, keeping the ball down and the velocity high.
"He looked like Rich Harden when he's healthy," Suzuki said. "I'm pumped I can finally catch him."
Harden said after his bullpen. "He's (Suzuki) really good at getting me down in the zone, better than most catchers I've worked with," Harden's big league history is full of dominating performances, unfortunately his ability to stay healthy has been the bigger story during his career.
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| Rich Harden is not happy with how he was handled by A's management last year. "The whole year (last season) I've got people in the organization telling me I'm fine, that I've got to pitch with pain," Harden said in the Mercury News. "It's insulting, because they don't know what's going on." Harden refused to point his finger at a specific individual. "I've got a lot of stuff to say. I don't want to say it," he said. Harden made just seven appearances last year because of injures. He said he second-guessed a decision to have him pitch in relief as he tried to come back from a strained shoulder. The righty feels fine at the moment, but it's clear injuries will always be an issue with him. |
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| Rich Harden has thrown off a mound three times in the past week, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Pitching coach Curt Young said the pitcher "feels tremendous." Harden took part in just seven games last season due to his frail body, so it's good to hear something positive about his health heading into spring training. |
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| Rich Harden, who was limited to just seven games last year due to injury issues, has been on a throwing program four days per week, and he could begin pitching off a mound by next week, according to the Boston Herald. As things stand now, Harden is slated to be Oakland's No. 2 starter behind Joe Blanton. Harden has all of the upside in the world, but his inability to stay healthy makes him nothing more mid-round pick, at best. |
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| Rich Harden was examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum on Tuesday, and it was revealed that he has biceps tendinitis, according to the Oakland Tribune. The tendinitis, however, was not the reason he decided not to make his two scheduled starts over the final week. Harden decided it was wiser to make sure he's 100 percent for next season rather than risk any further injury this year. |
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| Rich Harden will not start Sunday after all, the AP reports. Harden threw a simulated game Friday and said that while he didn't feel pain, he decided it was not worth risking further injury. "I'd love to be out there, but there's no sense in possibly doing damage in two starts -- for what? -- in games that don't mean anything," Harden said. He's scheduled to visit Dr. Lewis Yokum next week. "We just want to make sure everything is OK," Harden said, adding that he plans to pitch in the Winter Instructional League. Dallas Braden will step in for Harden at Cleveland Sunday. |
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| Rich Harden will throw a simulated game of about 70-80 pitches today in preparation to start Sunday at Cleveland, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Harden, who has been out with a strained shoulder, could make two starts the rest of the year, but there's no reason to rely on him in fantasy at this point. |
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| Rich Harden (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a side session Sunday, followed by a simulated game Tuesday, the AP reports. If all goes well he'll pitch Sunday at Cleveland and then on Sept. 29 at home against the Angels. |
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| Rich Harden, out with a strained shoulder, threw a 52-pitch simulated game on Thursday, and he's currently on track to return from the DL and start on September 23 against the Indians, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "It's just good to see him on the mound, to finish the season strong, to finish the season healthy," Geren said. "It's good for the team to see that and it's good from a personal standpoint, to see him feel good as the season ends." While this news is certainly encouraging, it's still unlikely that Harden will provide any real value over the rest of the year. |
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| Rich Harden, on the disabled list since July 8 because of a strained shoulder, threw a 30-pitch, two-inning simulated game Saturday using fastballs and changeups, according to the AP. "It went well," he said. Manager Bob Geren added: "I saw it and heard it. It was a very positive session." There is not another simulated game scheduled at this time, and it's still unclear as to whether he'll be able to return before the season ends. |
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| Manager Bob Geren isn't sure if Rich Harden will be able to pitch again this year or not. "It's important to me that he feels good, feels strong and continues to progress," Geren said in the AP. Harden has been out since early July with a strained shoulder. |
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| There is still no timetable for the return of Rich Harden, as the right-hander prefers to work his way back at his own pace, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I'll go with how my body feels," he said Tuesday. "That's what I've been doing the last three or four weeks and my body feels great. But looking three or four weeks in advance, there's no point, because I don't know. I just try to make steady progress." It's still possible that Harden could make a start before the end of the year, but either way, there's no reason to expect any fantasy value out of him the rest of the way. |
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| Rich Harden, who is on the DL with a strained right shoulder, made throws of up to 200 feet on Friday, according to the AP. A's manager Bob Geren said Harden could throw off the mound either Sunday or Monday. |
Our View: He'll be lucky to return before the end of the season at this point.
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| Rich Harden finally picked up a baseball Friday for the first time since the middle of last month. All he did was play some catch, but it's a step in the right direction as he recovers from a strained shoulder, according to the Contra Costa Times. Nonetheless, Harden and the A's plan to take things slowly this time, so there's no guarantee that he will pitch again this season. |
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| Rich Harden has not yet begun a throwing program in Phoenix, but he is working out with a physical therapist, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Harden, who is recovering from a strained pitching shoulder, is considered out indefinitely. |
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| Rich Harden believes he came back too soon the last time he was on the disabled list, so he plans to take a more gradual approach to returning from his shoulder injury this time. "I came back a little quick," Harden told the Contra Costa Times. "I was feeling great. It seemed like the right thing to come out of the 'pen. I want to be out there. But these injuries, you lose a lot of muscle control. That's what prevents injuries. It's just as important as the injury itself." He's been receiving treatment at his home in Canada but should head to Arizona on Monday to begin a throwing program. Consider him out indefinitely. |
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| Rich Harden is back home in his native Canada for rest and rehabilitation during his latest stint on the disabled list, the AP reports. He went back on the DL last week because of a strained right shoulder. The A's expect Harden to rejoin them when they travel to Seattle next week. |
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| Rich Harden is headed back to the disabled list. The A's placed the oft-injured pitcher on the DL Thursday with a strained right shoulder, according to SportsTicker. It's the second time this year Harden has been sidelined with the injury. The team purchased the contract of Andrew Brown from Triple-A Sacramento to replace Harden on the roster. |
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| Not surprisingly, Rich Harden didn't make it through Saturday's start without his shoulder being bothered. He'll have the same area that's been giving him problems examined on Monday to determine a course of action, according to the Contra Costa Times. "He's going to see the doctor (today) and he's going to be here at noon Wednesday and give us a report on how he feels and what the doctor says," manager Bob Geren said. He had just returned to the rotation Saturday and allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings, so this obviously isn't promising news that his shoulder is still an issue. |
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| Rich Harden will return to the A's rotation on Saturday. Harden, who has been pitching in relief while coming back from a strained shoulder, with be facing Seattle. "He threw a great side today and has recovered close to 100 percent," pitching coach Curt Young said in the Mercury News. "He should be on schedule for Saturday." Manager Bob Geren declined to specify a pitch count for Harden on Saturday, but he surely won't push him too far. |
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| Rich Harden felt good after his latest bullpen session and could be in line to return to the rotation Saturday against Seattle, the AP reports. Harden, who has made three relief appearances since coming off the DL on June 21, hasn't started since April 15. "He had a lot of power to his game down there," pitching coach Curt Young said. "He's getting back to his regular mode." |
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| Rich Harden's next appearance could be as a starter. Harden hasn't started since experiencing tightness in his right shoulder on May 15, according to the Mercury News. He's made three appearances out of the bullpen over the last two weeks. The most likely candidate to be bumped from the rotation when Harden does return to starting is left-hander Lenny DiNardo. |
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| Rich Harden threw bullpen sessions Wednesday and Thursday and reported no pain in his shoulder, the AP reports. He's scheduled to throw two innings in relief Friday or Saturday in New York. Harden felt soreness in the shoulder after throwing one inning against the Indians on Monday. |
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| Rich Harden, who left Monday night's game after one inning because his shoulder was bothering him, threw about 10 minutes of long toss on Tuesday, according to the AP. Manager Bob Geren played catch with him and said Harden will try to go two innings on Friday or Saturday against the Yankees. "He felt good," Geren said. "From last night to today, that's good news." |
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| Rich Harden was supposed to pitch two innings of relief Monday, but he had to leave after tossing one because of "achiness" in the same shoulder that caused him to miss two months of action. The A's are bringing Harden along slowly in relief before hopefully putting him back in the rotation around the All-Star break, but this could push that target date back, according to the Mercury News. "I could have kept throwing, but we talked about it (and decided against it)," Harden said. "We'll see how it feels (today). I'll play catch. Hopefully everything feels good and I'll get ready to go again." |
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| A's manager Bob Geren said he was "80 to 90 percent" certain that Rich Harden would pitch next on Monday in a two-inning stint, according to the Contra Costa Times. Harden returned from his strained pitching shoulder on Friday and is building up strength in relief before rejoing the rotation. |
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| Rich Harden gave up one hit in one inning of relief for Triple-A Sacramento, clearing the way for his return from the disabled list Friday against the Mets, the AP reports. Out since April 16 with a strained right shoulder, Harden struck out one and looked sharp in the only minor league appearance of his rehab. "It's just more getting a feel today and throwing my changeup and throwing some off-speed pitches," Harden said. "My fastball was a little bit up today but other than that I got a couple down, made some good pitches and that's what I wanted to do." The Athletics are expected to use Harden out of the bullpen, at least initially. |
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| Rich Harden threw 27 pitches in a simulated game on Monday and is slated to work an inning or two in relief for Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday, according to the AP. Barring any setbacks, he could be activated on Friday to Saturday to work out of the bullpen. "It's a step in the right direction," Harden said. "I'm getting closer to getting back out there. The way I feel now, hopefully it won't be that long." |
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| Rich Harden continues to make progress, throwing a light side session prior to Saturday's game, the Athletics official site reports. He could throw against hitters in a simulated game in Oakland on Monday, get an inning in Sacramento on Wednesday and be ready to be activated on Friday. |
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| Rich Harden threw off the top of a mound Friday for the first time since mid April. He tossed 42 pitches without any problems and will throw an inning against hitters next, according to the Contra Costa Times. "I'm happy with the way I feel right now," Harden said. If all goes well, Harden could return to action next week and work out of the bullpen. |
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| Bob Geren says Rich Harden is close to being ready to pitch in a real game, the AP reports. Harden has been out with a strained right shoulder since April 15. He'll throw a simulated game and could come out of the A's bullpen during next week's six-game homestand. "There are too many stepping stones on the way to guarantee that," Geren said. |
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| Rich Harden, who has been out since April 15 with a shoulder injury, threw 25 pitches off the mound Tuesday and will pitch a simulated game in the next few days, according to the AP. Manager Bob Geren reiterated his plan to bring Harden out of the bullpen, instead of giving him a rehab start, before moving him into the starting rotation. |
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| Rich Harden will throw off flat ground today, and barring any setbacks, he'll throw halfway up the mound on Sunday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. It's still possible that Harden could return for the series against the Cardinals that begins on June 15, and the A's may start him out in relief before inserting him back into the rotation. |
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| When Rich Harden returns from his strained pitching shoulder, he could be on his way to the bullpen. Manager Bob Geren said that Harden could initially be used out of the 'pen upon his return, and it's possible the oft-injured hurler could stay there. "It's just been talked about, but we would like to get him back in a game as soon as possible," Geren told the Mercury News. "We could leave him there or build him up through relief." Geren added that if everything goes according to plan, Harden could return for the series against the Cardinals that begins on June 15. |
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| Rich Harden threw from 150 feet on Sunday, taking another small step in his return from a strained right shoulder, according to the AP. A's manager Bob Geren is optimistic Harden could be back on the roster in two weeks, though he probably would be in the bullpen while Oakland debates whether to return the injury-prone hurler to the rotation. "If everything went perfectly, he might be ready for an inning against St. Louis (June 15-17)." |
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| Rich Harden might head to Phoenix to restart a throwing program next week while the A's are on the road, the team's official site reports. He's on the DL with a strained right shoulder. "It depends on how his arm feels in the next couple days," manager Bob Geren said. |
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| Rich Harden threw for a second straight day Saturday on flat ground, though he's still more than a week away from throwing off a mound, the AP reports. Harden has been on the DL with a strained right shoulder since April 16. "He was in a great mood after he threw (Friday) and was really happy this morning," manager Bob Geren said. "I could tell he was feeling good, just by his body language." Harden will rest Sunday then resume a schedule that has him throwing for two days then off for one. |
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| Rich Harden said he felt great Friday when he started throwing again for the first time in more than 10 days, according to the Contra Costa Times . Since he just started throwing again, don't expect him to return from his troublesome shoulder until at least late May. |
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| Rich Harden, on the DL with a strained pitching shoulder, saw Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles on Monday for a second opinion on the shoulder, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Yocum concurred with the initial diagnosis, that there is some irritation in the shoulder but nothing more. Harden will continue to rest the shoulder and won't throw for as much as 10 days, which means he's unlikely to return to the A's until at least the middle of May. Harden owners knew what they were getting into when they drafted Harden, and there's nothing to do now but sit and wait. If he returns from the DL and reels off a couple of strong starts, it'd be a good idea to try to deal him away before he goes down again. |
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| Rich Harden won't throw for a couple of days and will remained sidelined for at least another week, according to the AP. He might be able to return during a series against the Royals that starts on May 8. |
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| A's manager Bob Geren said that Rich Harden's strained shoulder was a little sore Friday after playing catch the day before, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. As a result, Harden rested Friday without throwing. |
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| The A's placed Rich Harden on the DL Monday with a strained right shoulder, according to the AP. It was thought that Harden was going to be able to avoid a DL trip, but that's obviously not the case. "It's not how we drew it up in December," assistant general manager David Forst said. "We probably could have avoided it with Rich, but in order to be fair to Rich let's give him a couple of extra days. He's eligible to come off May 1, so as soon as Rich says he's ready." The A's recalled Dallas Braden from Triple-A Sacramento to take Harden's place on the roster. |
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| Rich Harden will not make his scheduled start Tuesday, but the A's will not place him on the DL, according to the AP. "We're not going to put him on the disabled list," manager Bob Geren said. "He had a really good day throwing and we feel like he'll be ready sooner rather than later." Harden has a stiff right shoulder. |
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| Rich Harden played catch yesterday, and the A's remain hopeful that he'll be able to start Tuesday's game, according to the Contra Costa Times. He'll play catch from 120 feet today and might even get in a side session. |
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| Rich Harden won't make his next scheduled start this weekend in Texas, but he could pitch as early as Tuesday in Baltimore, pitching coach Curt Young told the San Francisco Chronicle. Harden is dealing with a tight throwing shoulder. After receiving results of an MRI exam, which showed no structural damage, the A's plan to move forward as if Harden will remain in the rotation. More will be known Wednesday when he does some throwing. "It's hard to judge until he throws the ball," Young said.
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| Rich Harden had an MRI exam Monday on his tight throwing shoulder and the test revealed no structural damage, according to the AP. He likely will play some catch on Wednesday. "It's hard to judge until he throws a ball," pitching coach Curt Young said. "The best scenario is he can pitch on the 24th. Especially looking in any pitcher's shoulder, I'm surprised they didn't find anything." |
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| It likely will be at least a couple of days before the A's can tell whether Rich Harden will be ready for his next start after leaving last night's game with tightness in his right shoulder, according to the Contra Costa Times. "It's way too early to tell about that," manager Bob Geren said when asked how serious the injury might be. "When you have tightness, it takes the next day or two to see how it responds." |
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| Rich Harden left Sunday's start against the Yankees in the seventh inning with tightness in his right shoulder, according to the AP. The severity of the injury is unknown. Harden pitched well prior to his departure, allowing one run in six innings while striking out seven. |
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| Rich Harden worked five effective innings Tuesday, scattering seven baserunners and allowing just one run. Harden also struck out seven, giving him 25 -- against three walks -- in 13 2/3 innings this month. |
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| Rich Harden struck out nine batters in 3 2/3 innings Thursday, giving up a run on two hits and a walk in the process. Harden has been nails this spring, holding a 1.04 ERA. |
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| Rich Harden made his spring debut on Sunday against San Diego, allowing just one hit over two innings and striking out five, according to the AP. This is certainly an encouraging outing from Harden, who has been on the DL three times in the last two years. "I felt good," Harden said. "I've been working on mechanical things the last week or two. The ball's coming out of my hand good right now. I just have to be aware of what my arm and body's doing." |
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| Rich Harden's first spring outing has been pushed back a day, the Contra Costa Times reports. Manager Bob Geren said the move was more of a precaution to give Harden an extra day of rest, and that there's nothing wrong with him health-wise. "We're just looking, semi-having ideas about things, how to line things up (leading to the regular season)," Geren said. "Don't read too much into that."
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| Rich Harden hopes that by altering the arm action on his changeup, he will avoid the elbow problems of last season, according to the Contra Costa Times. "Part of the reason why I hurt my elbow last year was that changeup," Harden said. "It's something I have a tendency of hyper-extending on it and overthrowing it." He's also going to scale back his weight training during the season to avoid over-stressing the joint. |
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| Rich Harden hasn't had any setbacks in his rehab to this point, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Harden, coming back from a strained elbow ligament, has been working out three times a week with pitching coach Curt Young in Phoenix and the early reports are positive. |
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| Frustrated over Barry Zito's contract demands, the Mets are now reportedly looking at another A's pitcher, Rich Harden, according to the New York Post. Harden is due just $13.5 million over the next three years, so the A's might ask for more than Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman in a trade, which is what they reportedly asked for when discussing a potential Zito deal during this past season. |
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| Rich Harden will pitch Game 3 of the ALCS, according to the AP. Harden moves ahead of Dan Haren, who will now pitch Game 4. Harden has made just three starts since early July because of a sprained ligament in his right elbow. |
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| The A's aren't sure what Rich Harden is capable of, since he has pitched just 11 2/3 innings since early June, so it's unclear when he will pitch in the ALCS against the Tigers, according to the Contra Costa Times. He'll fly to Arizona to work an instructional league game today, which should give the A's a better idea of where he's at. Barry Zito will start Game 1, Esteban Loaiza will take the mound for Game 2 and Dan Haren for Game 3. So Harden is at least penciled in for Game 4. |
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| A's manager Ken Macha announced on Tuesday that Rich Harden will start Game 4 of the ALDS against the Twins, if necessary, according to the AP. It was originally thought that Harden would get the nod in Game 3. Dan Haren is now slated to start the third game. |
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| Barring some sort of a setback, Rich Harden should start Game 3 of the ALDS between the A's and Twins, according to the Contra Costa Times. Harden, who recently returned from a strained elbow ligament, should be able to throw more than 100 pitches. Barry Zito will start Tuesday and be followed, in order, by Esteban Loiaza and Harden. |
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| Rich Harden will be limited to 75 pitches Tuesday in what will be his second start since returning from a strained ligament in his right elbow, according to the AP. "It's a big game for me," Harden said. "I still have to make it through this one. I still have to get prepared for that, before I start thinking about what happens later this year, playoff this, playoffs that." |
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| Rich Harden reported no problems with his right elbow after making his first start since Thursday since June 4, according to the AP. "It feels great," Harden said. "Usual soreness, but not too bad." |
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| Rich Harden will be allowed to throw 75 pitches when he makes his next start Tuesday at Seattle, according to the AP. Harden threw 55 pitches in his Thursday start against the Indians.
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| Rich Harden who was activated from the DL on Thursday, looked impressive in his return against the Indians, pitching three innings and allowing just one run - a homer to Grady Sizemore. He struck out seven in the three innings and allowed two hits and one walk. This was Harden's first outing since June 4. |
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| Rich Harden is still in line to start on Thursday, as he got through Monday's side session with no problems, according to the Contra Costa Times. He has been out since June 4 with a sprained ligament in his elbow. |
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| So long as he gets through a side session today without problems, Rich Harden should be set to start Thursday's game, according to the Contra Costa Times. Harden, who hasn't pitched since spraining his right elbow in early June, said he probably will be on a 70-80 pitch limit. "I'm ready to go," he said. "I feel pretty good." |
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| The AP reports that the A's have not definitively decided that Rich Harden will start on Thursday. There is some concern that if Harden has a short outing that it would be a poor setup for the bullpen heading into a key weekend series against the Angels. |
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| After Rich Harden threw 62 pitches in a simulated four-inning game Saturday, the A's announced that Harden would return to the rotation Thursday against the Indians, according to the AP. Harden has been out of since June 5 due to a sprained ligament in his right elbow. He will throw on the side Monday in preparation for Thursday's start.
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| Rich Harden, who is recovering from a sprained ligament in his elbow, threw a bullpen session before Wednesday's game, according to the AP. "I felt better (with the slider) than I have the past couple of years," he said. Harden, who has been on the disabled list since June 6, is expected to pitch a minor league game on Friday. |
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| Rich Harden, out with an elbow injury, threw a 42-pitch simulated game on Monday afternoon, according to the AP. "He threw pretty good," manager Ken Macha said. "I thought he had a pretty good release point and his command was OK. He's got a little different assessment level than I did. I thought it was about 75 percent. He thought it was about 90. He had a smile on his face and there was no pain." Harden is set to pitch in a minor league game on Friday. |
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| Rich Harden, out since June 5 with a sprained ligament in his right elbow, is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Monday, according to the AP. "He's at the point where he needs to start," trainer Larry Davis said. "Whether it's with the instructional league team or whatever, we have to be imaginative because of the time." The A's are hoping that he'll be able to return to the team sometime next week. |
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| The Contra Costa Times reports that Rich Harden threw 40 fastballs off a mound on Friday. He said the session went as well as any during his recovery from a sprained ligament in his elbow. Next, Harden will toss a simulated game Sunday. It appears that he could be back in the mix as soon as early next week, though it's not clear in what role he'll be used. |
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| The Contra Costa Times reports that Rich Harden threw 40 pitches yesterday, 35 of which were from the top of the mound. Trainer Larry Davis said it was "by far" Harden's best session since being sidelined by a sprained elbow ligament. "He's progressing now," Davis said. "He's doing exceedingly well." He'll throw breaking balls in his next session on Friday. |
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| Rich Harden threw from the mound for the second straight day on Monday, according to the AP. "He still hasn't thrown all the way. He was on the rubber, but the catcher moved up," manager Ken Macha said. "I'm going to say he's going to probably throw tomorrow off the mound again." |
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| The San Jose Mercury reports that Rich Harden threw from the top of mound on Sunday for the first time since June 4. "My arm feels real strong right now," Harden said. "The test will be when I start mixing in off-speed pitches. I'm a little away from that. It's been better than expected so far." Harden is basically shooting to return for the postseason. |
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| Rich Harden threw from halfway up a mound on Saturday and said there was little stiffness in his elbow on Sunday, according to the Contra Costa Times. "I'm feeling really good," he said. "I'm feeling good about the situation and the progress." He hopes to throw off the top of a mound next week. |
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| Rich Harden is expected to throw off a mound this weekend, according to the Contra Costa Times. It's still possible he may return from his sprained elbow this season. "He's passed all the tests so far," A's pitching coach Curt Young said. "But we've been through this with him before. We don't want to go too fast. As long as he's passing the tests and feels comfortable we'll move on." |
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| Rich Harden made short-distance throws Friday, another step in his rehab from a sprained ligament in his right elbow, according to the AP. Harden will throw long toss Saturday before having another short-throwing session Sunday. After that, the A's will determine what to do next with Harden. |
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| Rich Harden threw on the side for the third straight day Wednesday, and although there's still no timetable for his return, he's still hoping to return before the end of the season, according to the Contra Costa Times. "It's starting to come around now, it's feeling better," Harden said. "I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable. I'm letting the ball go now without thinking about the elbow." He plans to throw again today. |
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| Rich Harden made 45 throws Monday, finishing at 120 feet, the longest distance he's thrown since going on the DL on June 5 with a sprained right elbow ligament, according to the Contra Costa Times. He's still planning on rejoining the A's sometime before the season is out. |
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| The Contra Costa Times reports that all signs point to Rich Harden returning to action this season. He threw Saturday, making 44 throws from up to 100 feet, as he continues to recover from a sprained elbow ligament. "I wanted to see where he was and how he was feeling about himself," manager Ken Macha said after meeting with the pitcher. "He had a little smile on his face. He said he will pitch before the year is over. That's good." |
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| The Athletics would like to see Rich Harden throw off of a mound on September 1, according to the official team website. If Harden can reach that goal, he could be able to return to the A's for the last two weeks of the season, most likely out of the bullpen. |
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| Rich Harden played catch on Sunday, making 40 throws, according to the Contra Costa Times. Things went well for him, but he said the real test for his strained elbow will come when he begins throwing harder in another week or two. |
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| Rich Harden, who played catch on Friday, will play longtoss on Sunday, according to the AP. "I don't know if he'll be ready to pitch in September," manager Ken Macha said. "He has a long way to go." Harden has been sidelined with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament. |
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| Rich Harden played catch on Friday in the first step of a throwing program designed to get him back before the end of the year. Harden has been out since June 5 with a sprained ligament in his elbow. |
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| Rich Harden, who has been on the disabled list since June 5 with an elbow injury, could begin throwing this week if he receives medical clearance, according to the Contra Costa Times. "I think we're getting close to throwing," Harden said. "We've got to make a decision. I feel pretty good. We'll just start out throwing and progress and see how it feels." At this point, it's still uncertain if Harden will be able to return before the season ends. |
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