Rehab setback could end Sweeney's season

<p>OAKLAND — Seemingly days away from beginning a rehab assignment, Mike Sweeney has had a setback that could cost him the rest of the season.</p><p>Sweeney said Tuesday that his left knee locked up during running drills on Monday, and he’ll take the next “seven to 10 days” in Arizona to see if it improves. If it doesn’t, he’ll have an operation on both knees that will end his season.</p><p>“I’m hungry to get back on the field, but it’s out of my control,” he said. “It could be worse. There are people going through more trying times than I am.”</p><p>Sweeney has been out since May after undergoing arthroscopic operations on both knees. He said he was told at the time that he would need microfracture surgery on both knees, but he hoped he could postpone that until after the season.</p><p>Sweeney said his right knee is still in pain, as it has been all season, but it is manageable. He can’t play with his left knee locking up, so he’ll hope for improvement by the time the A’s return from their trip on Aug. 12.</p><p>“When the team gets back from Detroit, hopefully I’ll go to Sacramento (for a rehab assignment),” he said. “If the knee continues to lock up, I’ll find the best doctor in the country and get (the surgery) done.”</p><h3>MORE INJURY NEWS</h3> <p>Frank Thomas took a day off from running, but he remains a possibility to be activated soon. Thomas will go to Boston with the A’s this weekend. Thomas, who has been out with a strained quad, has been hitting for a couple of weeks and he said he does not think he’ll need a rehab assignment.</p><p>Joey Devine said he felt good a day after his one inning at Sacramento. Although he gave up four runs, he struck out the final three batters he faced. Devine, who has been out for two months because of a sore elbow, is scheduled to pitch for Sacramento again on Thursday, and he could be activated after that.</p><p>Keith Foulke threw off the bullpen mound. The A’s are undecided whether he will pitch a simulated game or go directly to the minors for a rehab assignment.</p><h3>BRIEFLY</h3> <p>Today will be the A’s ninth annual Root Beer Float Day. A’s players and local celebrities will serve root beer floats from 10:35 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the West Side Club, with proceeds benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.</p><p>Justin Duchscherer, Dana Eveland and Dallas Braden are scheduled to throw for the A’s this weekend in Boston. The Red Sox have not announced any of their starters for the series.</p><p>Eric Patterson was out early taking ground balls at second base before making his third consecutive start in left field. Patterson, who played second and outfield with the Cubs, could get some time in the infield, especially with Mark Ellis slumping.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Jeff Fletcher at 521-5489 or jeff.fletcher@pressdemocrat.com</p>