When closer Andrew Bailey had to leave a game on Monday with an injury, the Oakland A's were holding their breath. Bailey has had Tommy John surgery in the past and he ended the 2010 season having an elbow operation, so to see him leave holding his arm was more than a little troubling.
Bailey went to see the famous Dr. James Andrews for an examination. Bailey went in complaining of elbow discomfort and forearm tightness, and everyone was afraid that he might have to go back under the knife. But the results? The results are good news. According to a press release sent out by the team, Bailey has been diagnosed with a strained forearm.
A strained forearm, and that's it. No major damage. No swelling. Bailey won't have to undergo surgery again after all, and he may resume working out with the team once more once he's asymptomatic. There's no timetable on his return, and he may not be ready by Opening Day, but this injury shouldn't sideline him for too long. Bailey and the A's have dodged a bullet.