An MRI revealed that right-hander has an impingement in his throwing shoulder, Athletics manager C.J. Miles Jersey told and other reporters. Otanez will start the season on the injured list and the As didnt release a projected a timeline, though Gallegos notes that the standard timeline for a normal impingement is two-to-three weeks of recovery. Otanez made his Major League debut last season, and posted a 3.44 ERA over 34 relief innings. A 13.2% walk rate stood out as a red flag, even if that number is actually an improvement over the even more ungainly walk rates Otanez posted over his seven minor league seasons. However, Otanez has also racked up a lot of strikeouts at every level, including an eye-opening 36.4% strikeout rate in the big leagues. Otanez was one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the majors last season, averaging 97.8mph on his fastball. The Athletics intend to use Otanez as one of s setup men this season, but this shoulder injury will now delay that plan for what is hopefully only a short while into April. and new acquisition now project as the top setup options, and Gallegos feels might be the favorite to win the bullpen job left open by Otanezs absence. In other , southpaw is set to start a throwing program on Wednesday in the next step of his recovery from a shoulder strain. Ba so has been shut down since March 5, though it doesnt appear his shoulder strain is too serious, as the Athletics think theres a chance he can start up minor league games soon after Opening Day. Infielder is facing a longer absence from an oblique strain, as it doesnt appear he will play in any games before Spring Training is over even though he has restarted some baseball activities. Malachi Flynn Jersey