Outfielder Boog Powell had a convincing reason for bowing out of his scheduled A’s debut Friday night: He couldn’t breathe.
Powell, acquired from Seattle in the Yonder Alonso trade on Aug. 6, started feeling dizzy as he caught fly balls during batting practice. He had been sick the previous two days, and before long his ailment turned into a full-blown asthma attack.
Powell periodically has used an inhaler since childhood, but he said this episode was his first in 10 years. He ended up visiting the emergency room, where he received breathing treatment.
He felt better Saturday, took a long run at the Coliseum around lunchtime and emerged in good shape.