At Least Someone Is Healthy Again

The Oakland Athletics activated first baseman Dan Johnson from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday after he finished nursing a torn labrum in his left hip.

The club optioned catcher Adam Melhuse - who went 1-for-6 in just three games this year - to AAA Sacramento and moved designated hitter Mike Piazza back to his backup role behind starting catcher Jason Kendall.

With Milton Bradley and Mark Kotsay still on the DL, and Nick Swisher and Bobby Kielty nursing injuries, the short-handed A's decided they needed DJ's bat in the lineup. His return to first base on Wednesday night wasn't what he expected, as he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout.

Johnson had a convincing rookie season for Oakland in 2005, batting .275 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in just 109 games, but struggled from the beginning of last season. He went 0-for-27 at the start of 2006 and hit .234 overall, spending most of the second half in the minors.

[Mercury News]

Dan Johnson on the DL

Dan Johnson will begin the season on the disabled list after tearing cartilage in his left hip.

The Oakland Athletics first baseman was injured Monday in a collision at first with Colorado Rockies' catcher Yorvit Torrealba and was originally diagnosed with a strained hip flexor. He was listed as day-to-day, but additional tests revealed the tear.

The A's really have no clue as to how long Johnson will be out, but the hard-hitting 27-year-old could be sidelined up to three months, depending on the treatment plan he chooses.

Johnson was batting .294 with two home runs and six RBIs this spring. He had been expected to open the regular season at first base after injuries to the sexy Mark Kotsay (out until June) and Ronald McDonald Bobby Kielty forced the A's to move Nick Swisher to the outfield after he started a team-leading 80 games at first base last season.

DJ's injury may increase the likelihood that veteran first baseman Erubiel Durazo will be kept on the roster. Durazo, 32, spent three seasons with the A's from 2003-05, coming to spring training this year as a non-roster invitee. He is batting .283 with two home runs and 14 RBIs this spring.

[Oakland Tribune]