Oakland Athletics Shut Down Left-Handed Pitcher

Oakland Athletics pitcher Kirby Snead has suffered a left shoulder strain, according to reports by MLB.com.

The left-hander felt discomfort during his Cactus League debut on February 25 and was diagnosed with the injury. As a result, the team has shut him down from throwing indefinitely and will wait until he's completely pain-free before resuming baseball activity.

Keep an eye on non-roster invitee LHP Jake Fishman as a possible replacement for LHP Kirby Snead, who's sidelined with a shoulder strain, on the left side of the A's bullpen. Fishman had a 2.25 ERA & 54 Ks in 56 IP at AAA in 2022 and appeared in 11 games for the Marlins last year

— Athletics Farm (@AthleticsFarm) March 1, 2023

With Snead's status for Opening Day now in question, the Athletics have no plans to rush him back into action. The team will likely take a cautious approach with his recovery to ensure that he can return to the mound at full strength.

Over his two-year career, the 28-year-old has compiled a 5.33 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, with 42 strikeouts over 52.1 innings and 53 appearances.

Snead was part of the trade that saw the Blue Jays send him, Gunnar Hoglund, Kevin Smith and Zach Logue to the A's in exchange for Matt Chapman.

He is a former 10th-round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2016 MLB Draft.

Photo Credit:  Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports