NewsSweeney could return early as Monday
Outfielder is day-to-day after injuring left knee
By Jane Lee / Special to MLB.com
06/07/09 4:06 PM ET
OAKLAND -- Ryan Sweeney's defensive prowess was missing for the fifth consecutive game Sunday, but manager Bob Geren is hoping for his outfielder's return in the near future.Fortunately, the near future may mean Monday or Tuesday.
"Ideally, we'd like to get him in there tomorrow," Geren said before the start of Sunday's series finale against the visiting Orioles.
Sweeney has been deemed day-to-day after an MRI exam diagnosed him with a sprain and mild tendinitis in his left knee, which felt the brunt of the impact when the outfielder slammed into the wall while making a tough catch in Chicago on Tuesday.
"When the pain subsides and he can play, we can get him out there," Geren said.
With Baltimore starting southpaw Rich Hill Sunday, the A's skipper admitted he had no plans of testing the left-handed-hitting Sweeney's playing ability.
Monday, though, seems highly possible for Sweeney's return, with right-handed pitcher Anthony Swarzak going for the Twins, who come in for a four-game set. If Sweeney gets a red light, however, Rajai Davis will most likely get the starting nod for the sixth consecutive game.
Davis is holding his own in center field in Sweeney's absence -- with the glove and bat. Heading into Sunday's contest, Davis was 6-for-14 in his last four games and considers his consistent playing time a factor in his recent success at the plate.
"I think it's more about reputation than anything," Davis said. "Being out there more definitely helps, and I do think I'm getting better."
Used as a pinch-runner, spot starter and late-game defensive replacement in the outfield in 2008, Davis gathered the notion during Spring Training he'd play a similar role this season. And while he's pretty much mastered that role, the 28-year-old's smile stretches slightly wider when he sees his name in the starting lineup, as he did Sunday.
"It's not my decision," Davis said of his playing time. "All I can do is help us win when I can -- whatever helps the ball club."
Davis can't help but express his excitement in playing a role in the team's recent climb in the win column.
"Who wants to stop a bad thing?" Davis offered with another familiar grin. "This is fun."
Jane Lee is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
