Sean Doolittle Injury: Updates on Athletics Closer's Shoulder and Recovery

The Oakland Athletics have jettisoned more than a few players integral to their recent success, but losing Sean Doolittle wasn't a part of the plan. Tyler Clippard will start the season as Oakland's closer as Doolittle continues to recover.

Continue for updates.

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Doolittle Plays Catch, Won't Open Season as Starter

Friday, March 27

As expected, Doolittle won't be able to start the season, so Tyler Clippard will fill the role as Oakland's closer, A's manager Bob Melvin confirmed, courtesy of John Hickey of InsideBayArea.com. However, Doolittle was able to play catch today, which he and Melvin to declared a "big day," per Hickey.

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Doolittle Completes Sock Throws

Monday, March 23

Jane Lee of MLB.com reported Doolittle performed sock throws today. Doolittle told Joe Stiglich of CSN California on March 17 that he was getting closer to throwing. Stiglich noted that Doolittle is doing plyometric work to strengthen the injured shoulder.

On Feb. 28, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Doolittle did strength tests and had "encouraging results." Slusser noted that Doolittle hadn't been cleared to throw but said that he would be in another week or two."

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Doolittle Comments on Recovery

Sunday, Feb. 8

"There is still no timetable for Doolittle's return but the general consensus seems to be he might not miss a ton of time to start season," Slusser reported.

Lee provided comments from Doolittle, who spoke about his recovery and the reason no timetable has been set:

"

Everything so far has gone really smoothly. We're optimistic, but we haven't set a timetable because, based on what the doctors and trainers have said, every issue is kind of different. With PRP, it's all about how your body reacts to it.

"

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Doolittle Won't Be Ready for Start of Season

Friday, Jan. 23

Slusser reported that the A's closer has a small tear in his left rotator cuff and will likely miss the beginning of the 2015 regular season:

Stiglich reported on the setback:

Slusser added that surgery may not be necessary, which would undoubtedly cut down on his recovery time:

Doolittle led the team in saves last year (22) while compiling a 2-4 record and a 2.73 earned run average. He earned the first All-Star trip of his three-year career.

Casey Pratt of CSN Bay Area felt that Oakland likely traded for Tyler Clippard last week in preparation for this news:

Clippard would seemingly be the next guy in line after Doolittle's injury. In seven seasons with the Washington Nationals, the 29-year-old made 34 saves in 414 appearances. He led the team in saves back in 2012.

Losing Doolittle is a tough blow for the Athletics, but the combination of timing and possible lack of surgery helps to soften the impact. Plus, with Clippard in the fold, the team has somebody with ninth-inning experience who can step in for the first few weeks or months.