Oakland A's place All-Star On Injured List To Start Season

The Oakland A's will be without their All-Star and likely Opening Day starting pitcher to begin the 2023 season, placing six-year veteran right-hander Paul Blackburn on the injured list.

Paul Blackburn will start the season on IL due to his fingernail issue, Mark Kotsay said.

— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) March 17, 2023

Blackburn suffered a torn nail on the middle finger of his pitching hand during a March 5th spring outing against the Cincinnati Reds. He isn't expected to be out for too long, but it's not the first time that finger has caused him a problem in the last year, however. 

The 29-year-old was the A's only All-Star representative last season, as he had a stellar first half, with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.  But he suffered a tear of the flexor tendon sheath on that troublesome middle finger that cost him the final two months of the season. A rough final three starts brought his overall ERA up to 4.28.

In addition to Blackburn, the A's have also had to place their backup catcher, Manny Pina on the IL. His left wrist is in a brace due to inflammation and there’s no timetable for his return at the moment.

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports