Oakland’s first base/corner outfield/designated hitter logjam won’t include Manny Ramirez for at least 50 games and may also be lessened by Daric Barton’s shoulder problems.
Barton, who underwent surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in September, received a second cortisone injection this morning and will be shut down for at least a few days.
Jane Lee of MLB.com speculates that his odds of beginning the season on the active roster are now pretty long and Barton was bad enough last season that he was in a fight for his job anyway.
Brandon Allen had a seven-RBI game yesterday and looks like the favorite to be the Opening Day first baseman in Oakland.
