A's lefty Dallas Braden returning to see Dr. Yocum
Oakland Athletics left-hander Dallas Braden is scheduled to have his troublesome shoulder examined again by renowned orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum on Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Braden played catch Monday for the first time since being placed on the 15-day DL on April 18, but the session didn't go as well as Braden or the A's had hoped, according to manager Bob Geren. The lefty is approaching the one-year anniversary of his May 9, 2010, perfect game against Tampa Bay on Mother's Day.
''I think they are going to give him all the tests possible to check him out,'' Geren said. ''He just didn't feel great throwing.''
This is a discouraging development for both Braden and the A's. An 11-game winner last year, Braden began the season as Oakland's No. 4 starter in one of the most talented - and young - rotations in baseball. The A's led the American League in ERA last season at 3.56 and in shutouts with 17 while holding opponents to a .245 batting average.
An initial appointment with Yocum late last month showed no structural damage in Braden's shoulder. Braden is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts this season.
Injured Oakland closer Andrew Bailey, the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year, is set to throw to hitters Wednesday before the A's host the Cleveland Indians in the middle game of their three-game series. Bailey hasn't pitched this season because of a strained right forearm.
Geren said Bailey would only throw fastballs during his session. He has worked on his off-speed pitches just on flat ground so far. If all goes well, Bailey might throw again to hitters or progress straight to a simulated game.
Injured righty Rich Harden, on the 60-day disabled list after straining a muscle behind his right shoulder early in spring training, is still limited to playing catch on flat ground.