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A's Pitcher Harden Shutting Down For 2 Weeks Over Stiffness

PHOENIX (AP) -- Oakland Athletics right-hander Rich Harden is expected to miss two weeks of spring training after experiencing stiffness in the lat muscle below his pitching arm when he tried to throw Tuesday.

The news Thursday that he would be shut down is a tough break for Harden, who is back for a second stint with the A's hoping to crack the rotation in what stands to be quite the competition for the No. 5 job. He was forced to stop his bullpen session after 10 to 15 pitches.

The 29-year-old Harden, who had thrown three other times off the mound before Tuesday, won't attempt to pitch again until he is pain free.

Harden received a $1.5 million, one-year contract in December to rejoin the A's. He went 5-5 with a 5.58 ERA in 20 appearances and 18 starts for the Texas Rangers last season, when he struggled with injuries and control.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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