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A's closer Bailey has mild forearm strain

Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Andrew Bailey throws in a game at Anaheim, Calif., Aug. 27, 2009. UPI/Lori Shepler.
Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Andrew Bailey throws in a game at Anaheim, Calif., Aug. 27, 2009. UPI/Lori Shepler. | License Photo

GOODYEAR, Ariz., March 15 (UPI) -- The Oakland Athletics breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday when oft-injured closer Andrew Bailey was diagnosed only with a mild forearm strain.

It was feared Bailey had re-injured his surgically repaired pitching elbow when he left the mound during Monday's spring training game in Arizona clutching his arm in pain.

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But after the 26-year-old flew to Birmingham, Ala., Tuesday to meet with Dr. James Andrews, a noted surgeon who operated on Bailey last fall, it was determined no serious damage had been done, A's General Manager Billy Beane said.

The GM said there was no swelling in the elbow and indicated Bailey will resume baseball activities when the symptoms cease.

"Any time a pitcher comes out of a game like Andrew did, you hold your breath," Beane said. "While there is no timetable on his return, this is welcome news."

Bailey had Tommy John surgery in 2004 and last September's procedure was to clean up remaining scar tissue and bone chips.

The closer won the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year award, notching 51 saves in his first two major league seasons while compiling a 1.70 ERA in 115 appearances.

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