Reilly
03-05-2005, 05:22 PM
Reliever Chad Bradford will have to undergo back surgery and will be out for at least the first two months of the season, the Oakland A's announced today. Bradford, who has struggled with back problems throughout his career, is signed to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million. The submarine righty was expected to be a right-handed groundball specialist in the A's revamped bullpen. His injury could open a spot in the A's bullpen for Rule V pick Tyler Johnson, groundball pitcher Kirk Saarloos or rookie prospects Huston Street, Jairo Garcia or Chris Mabeus.