After being out of action for close to a month with a strained right shoulder, A’s infielder Jonah Bride has been reinstated from the injured list and A’s manager Mark Kotsay is ready to use him all over the diamond.
“He can also play first base, we haven’t experimented yet with him in the outfield, but there’s a lot of versatility to Jonah,” Kotsay said. “We’ve always talked about him being an athlete and we may utilize him in different positions for sure.”
Bride has started at third and second base this season for the A’s but also played first base in the minor leagues. While Bride hasn’t logged in any games in the outfield at the professional level, Kotsay said that if the opportunity arises, Bride could play there.
Bride also spent 10 games at catcher in Double-A Midland, but Kotsay said Bride will only be used behind the dish in emergency situations.
Bride, 26, was placed on the injured list after suffering a nasty collision with Chad Pinder when they both tried to field a ball in Kansas City against the Royals on June 26. Bride said that his swing progression wasn’t causing him trouble, but throwing was “keeping me back a little bit.”
Bride completed a seven-game rehab assignment that was split between Triple-A Las Vegas and Low-A Stockton where he batted .400 with a home run and three RBIs. Bride said he’s ready to help the A’s, who are 3-2 since returning from the All-Star break.
“They’ve been swinging the bat well, so that’s encouraging,” Bride said. “It’s a good vibe in the clubhouse so I want to help contribute to that.”
Transaction News
Seth Brown was placed on the paternity list and is on his way to meet with his wife, Brittaney, for the birth of their child.
The A’s recalled Sam Selman from Triple-A Las Vegas and sent down right-hander David McKay, who gave up four hits and an earned run in 2 ⅔ innings of relief in Oakland’s loss to the Rangers on Sunday.
Training room
After a successful 25-pitch bullpen session, A’s closer Dany Jiménez will throw to hitters on Tuesday. Jiménez has been on the injured list since June 19 with a strained right shoulder.
Infielder Jed Lowrie, who is on the injured list with a sprained left shoulder, will begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Las Vegas Aviators, Kotsay said.
Source: www.mercurynews.com