MESA, Ariz. -- A's right fielder Josh Reddick is suddenly questionable for Opening Day. Manager Bob Melvin revealed Saturday that Reddick is "going to be out a little bit longer than we anticipated" with a right oblique strain."We know for sure he's not doing anything for two weeks, and then it's a progression to get him ready again," said Melvin. "You have to start from zero again. I would think Opening Day would be a stretch, but he has been a quick healer." 
Reddick injured himself during defensive drills in the outfield Friday, and at the time, he was optimistic he'd only be sidelined three or four days -- in part because he wasn't in nearly as much pain as he experienced with a Grade 2 left oblique strain in 2009, which forced him to miss two months. Reddick has yet to undergo an MRI this time around, "but they have a pretty good handle on what's going on," said Melvin.Going forward this spring, Melvin plans to run several guys in right field, including Rule 5 draftee Mark Canha, Billy Burns, Jason Pridie, Alex Hassan and top prospect Matt Olson. First baseman Ike Davis, who worked out in the outfield this offseason, could also see some time in right, Melvin said.Derailed by injuries in each of the past two seasons, Reddick was off to an impressive start this spring, going 3-for-3 in his Cactus League debut."He looked that good in camp early on," said Melvin. "A lot of times that's a rarity, and to see the ball hit that way against left-handed pitching, too, it's disappointing. But it is better to happen now than later on."
Jane Lee/ MLB.com
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