A’s Get Bad News Regarding Braden’s Shoulder

Dallas Braden has been on the bench nursing his throwing shoulder since he couldn’t finish his April 16th start, and he’s going to have to wait a while longer to make his next. The A’s announced that Braden will need surgery to repair a torn capsule in his left shoulder and there is now timetable for his return. David Altcheck, who was one of three to give an opinion on the injury, will perform the procedure on Monday. This is a big blow to the A’s. Braden is a solid pitcher in his own right, but is also a huge help to the others on the staff. Gio Gonzalez especially looks up to Braden. “Not to ride the Dallas Braden banner,” Gonzalez recently stated, “but it’s always fun to have Dallas around. It kind of changes the momentum of the game. He’s a fighter.” I’m no doctor, but, for my money, shoulder injuries are very worrisome for pitchers. This injury will certainly take him out for significant period and could easily keep him out the rest of the year. Equally as important is the fac...