OAKLAND — The Athletics will have utility player Chad Pinder in a limited role Thursday and could be down as many as three relievers in the bullpen for their Fourth of July series finale against the Minnesota Twins at the Coliseum.
Pinder is coming off an ankle injury sustained during infield practice Wednesday, and the bullpen was sretched to the limit in a 4-3, 12-inning loss to the Twins.
Athletics manager Bob Melvin put Pinder at “75 percent” in terms of health but said the infielder/outfielder would be available off the bench. Pinder looked none the worse for wear as he shot nerf basketballs with teammates in the clubhouse before the game.