A’s Crisp Injured–Page Dr. House

It looks like Dr. House, from FOX’s smash-hit TV Show, House, will need to find some kind of cure for the A’s injury woes.

ESPN reports that Coco Crisp has a pulled hamstring, and it is unknown as to how long he will be out for.

Crisp, who signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the A’s this offseason was expected to start CF. The A’s projected outfield included Crisp, Rajai Davis and Ryan Sweeney. A big part of the A’s focus this season is defense, which is why the A’s invested so much money in Crisp. Billy Beane values Crisp’s defensive abilities, but after pulling a hamstring, the A’s are without an established CF.

If the injury is serious, perhaps Oakland could call feature Michael Taylor on their Opening Day roster. Taylor, considered a five-tool player, is expected to be a part of the A’s future success. But after investing $5 million in Crisp, Beane will most likely want to wait and see how serious the injury is.

Another Athletic in pain is reliever, Joey Devine. Devine is coming off Tommy John surgery, and has recently been shut down for about a week due to soreness in his surgically repaired elbow. Devine, who missed all of 2009, pitched well for Oakland in 2008. He went 6-1 with a 0.59 ERA in 45.2 innings. If healthy, Devine would only solidify what is expected to be one of the best bullpens in the majors.

Also under close examination are Justin Duchscherer (hip), Ben Sheets (arm) and Eric Chavez (back). Sheets, who started against Milwaukee last week, said that he felt fine afterwards. Chavez is currently doing fine as well. He his currently hitting .400 in two starts this spring.

Final Diagnosis:

If the A’s are to be successful this season, they’ll need their position players to remain healthy all season. They’ll also need strong performances out of their starting pitchers.