A’s Closer Bailey Still Not Ready

Added on May 11, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

Oakland A’s promising young closer Andrew Bailey still isn’t ready to make his 2011 debut. The nagging elbow/forearm injury that has prevented him from taking the mound this season is improving, but not fully healed. Bailey felt discomfort after hurling 25 pitches in a Tuesday simulated game, which put his return to the team on hold.

The original injury was a forearm strain, but his twice-repaired elbow is giving him the most problems. Until he can throw without pain, he won’t be given a rehab assignment. Bailey is itching to regain his closer’s role, although knows rushing back isn’t advisable.

“I do feel I’m getting there,” Bailey said. “I’m not totally ready to go 100 percent. I don’t know how to describe (the pain). It’s not pulling or doing anything violent. It’s just there.”

The 26-year-old Bailey has been very effective since joining the A’s bullpen in 2009, registering 51 saves in 115 appearances with an ERA of 1.70. He’s also averaged one strikeout per inning, fanning 133 batters in 132 1/3 total innings.

The A’s haven’t exactly missed Bailey thus far. As a staff, they lead the American League in team ERA at 2.75 and are second in saves with 11. Along with the Braves, they are one of only two teams with an ERA under 3.00.

Veteran Brian Fuentes has assumed stopper duties and converted 9 of 11 save opportunities. His 4.42 ERA isn’t overly impressive, but he’s reliable and consistent having notched 196 career saves in eleven Major League seasons.

It’s not certain what Bailey’s exact role will be once he’s cleared to rejoin the club. He’ll likely be treated with kid gloves until he proves he’s capable of regaining his dominating velocity.

The A’s also have Joey Devine on the comeback trail. Devine has been out two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, but has looked solid at Triple-A Sacramento.

Oakland is 19-18, tied for second place in the AL West.

Source: CBSSports.com