PHOENIX (AP) — Rich Harden is pain-free and ready to resume his spring training regimen. As soon as Oakland’s training staff gives him the OK, that is.
The Athletics right-hander was shut down last week, expected to miss two weeks of workouts after experiencing stiffness in the lat muscle below his pitching arm when he tried to throw Feb. 15. Harden still hopes to compete for the fifth spot in the A’s talented rotation, even if he is a little bit behind as he begins his second stint with the club.
He has been doing strengthening exercises for his throwing arm to help alleviate the problem. He believes his new mechanics and delivery may have contributed to the injury.
Harden received a $1.5 million, one-year contract in December to rejoin the A’s.
