A’s Update: Crisp & Ellis Nearing Return

The Oakland Athletics have dealt with numerous injuries over the past three seasons or so, and this season is no different from any other typical year in Oakland. The A’s just recently got Kurt Suzuki back from injury, but they still have Brett Anderson, Coco Crisp and Mark Ellis on the DL. Justin Duchscherer, who was recently placed on the DL, will be trying to avoid yet another season-ending surgery.

At 20-20, the A’s sit two games back of the Texas Rangers in the AL West, and are doing pretty well despite their numerous injuries. Coco Crisp, who signed a questionable one-year, $5 million contract this past offseason, is said to be nearing his return from the DL. Crisp, who did exceedingly well in the last weeks of spring training, was injuried in an exhibition game between the Giants and A’s. Currently, Crisp and Ellis are on their way to make several rehab appearances before they are activated from the DL.

According the A’s official team site, Crisp has been taking his share of swings in the cage and has been working his way up to a possible return this month. And Ellis, who has been rehabbing in Pheonix, will be making several appearances in the minors–possibly for four days or so. Here’s the official word on both Crisp and Ellis:

"Ellis has been stationed at home in Phoenix, rehabbing a strained left hamstring, which kept him off the field from April 12-18 and since April 20, when he left a game after just five innings. Crisp, meanwhile, has yet to make his debut in green and gold. Signed as a free agent in December to a one-year contract, Crisp was placed on the disabled list on April 3, with a fractured left pinkie finger. The 30-year-old Crisp took 30 swings off a tee on May 9 and planned on hitting inside the cage Tuesday. The next step, he said, will be taking part in batting practice Wednesday. His Minor League assignment will likely span four days, and he hopes to be on the field by the end of the month.”"

The A’s would love to have Ellis back, especially since he started the year off on the right foot. In the eight games he played in this season, Ellis hit .323/.382/.387 with 3 RBIs. Crisp, who has yet to make his official appearance with the A’s, is a lifetime .277/.331/.407 hitter.