MESA, Ariz. -- Oakland Athletics outfielder Sam Fuld will be out three weeks with a "moderate shoulder sprain," says A's manager Bob Melvin. Melvin says that "makes it tough" for him to be available for the Opening Day roster.
While the news is unfortunate for Fuld, who was hitting .364/.481/.591 with one home run in 27 plate appearances, it does give the A's the opportunity to postpone a difficult roster decision for the out-of-options Fuld. Bob Melvin had suggested earlier this spring that there still might be room for Fuld on the 25-man roster because of his plus-plus defense despite the additions of Khris Davis and Chris Coghlan, but it's difficult to figure out a 25-man roster that includes others that the club has suggested will be on the 25-man roster, including Coco Crisp, Billy Butler, and Mark Canha.