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Athletics’ Braden missing trip to Japan

By Mark J. Miller | Scoop Du Jour – Mon, Jan 30, 2012 6:19 AM EST

US PresswireOakland Athletics pitcher Dallas Braden won't be traveling to Japan with the team to start off the season against the Seattle Mariners, but after being out for most of last year, Braden is happy that he has the chance to be ready to pitch for the team when it returns to the States.

Braden, who pitched the 19^th perfect game in MLB history back in May of 2010 against the Tampa Bay Rays, is slated to pitch 25 fastballs off a mound Monday for the first time since having shoulder surgery last May, according to MLB.com.

"I feel great," he said, according to the site. "I feel really strong. It's nice to know all the hard work we put into the offseason and the days you didn't want to get up and the days you didn't want to push through, you now understand why it's important to do so."

MLB.com notes that "a realistic time frame" for Braden's return may be "more like mid-April."

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3 comments

hater • Campbell, California • 3 months ago
" I FEEL REALLY STRONG" if that was a true statement he would be making the trip to Japan. spring training hasn't even begun and he's already ruling him self out? yeah right Braden
str A's hooter • 3 months ago
It can't be true that Oakland is going after Manny Ramirez for a half season play as their DH. He disappointed Tampa Bay last season by walking out on them, and could do the same with the A's. Let Chris Carter show what he can do, finally.
str A's hooter • 3 months ago
With the loss of three starters from the A's 2011 rotation, a healthy Braden is needed now more than ever. I pray that Tyson Ross returns strong and Anderson is not far behind. If Oakland makes a good showing in 2012, and stays healthy, maybe Oakland will draw some fans and can afford not to move to San Jose.