A’s News: Harden Update

According to MLB.com writer, Jane Lee, the A’s right-hander Rich Harden should resume throwing sometime next week.

Harden, 29, has been sidelined due to ‘lat stiffness,’ and the A’s are likely going to be very, very cautious with Harden given his rich history with nagging injuries.

Last year, in 18 games with the Rangers, Harden went 5-5 with an uncharacteristically high 5.58 ERA. A major reason for his rough season was the fact that his fastball clocked in a couple of miles slower than normal, and he struggled mightily with his control.

As a result, his K/9 rate dropped from 10.92 in 2009 to 7.34 in 2010.

The A’s, who brought Harden back on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million, are hoping that he returns this season healthy and ready to contribute to the team. He’s currently vying for the vacant spot in Oakland’s talented starting rotation, but if he should fall short of that, the A’s could use him as a bullpen option. If he’s even healthy, that is.