NewsGeren prepared to finish without Hairston
A's skipper finds silver lining in Patterson's emergence
By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com
09/27/09 3:40 PM ET
ANAHEIM -- A's outfielder Scott Hairston was held out of the lineup for the sixth straight game because of a swelling in his hip and a related back problem, causing manager Bob Geren to say it's "doubtful" that Hairston will play again this year. Hairston last played on Monday against the Rangers but was removed in the fifth inning because of the pain in his back and hip. And with only six games left this season after Sunday's game with the Angels, it's unlikely Hairston will return. "It's looking doubtful at this point," Geren said. "He hasn't improved in the last three days, so unless he drastically improves, he can't play. I'm hoping he can, obviously." Hairston has been dealing with various injuries since July, including a left quad strain he's been battling since shortly after being traded to the club from the Padres on July 5. The injuries have caused Hairston to struggle at the plate, as he's batting just .236 with seven homers and 35 RBIs in 60 games with Oakland this season. But as Geren noted, the one positive that has come out of the situation has been the emergence of Eric Patterson, who has played well since Hairston's most recent injury In the five games that Hairston has missed in the last week, Patterson is batting .500 (8-for-16) with a home run and four RBIs along with six walks and just one strikeout. "It's giving Patterson a chance to play and he's playing extremely well," Geren said. "You always look for a positive and that's certainly a positive."Rhett Bollinger is reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
