Brandon McCarthy's MRI Clean; No Major Damage Shown

An MRI taken on Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy’s shoulder yesterday came back clean, reports Jane Lee of MLB.com. According to Lee, A’s manager Bob Melvin is hopeful that McCarthy will not require another stint on the disabled list.

McCarthy's MRI came back clean, so Melvin holding out hope DL won't be necessary.

— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) June 13, 2012

McCarthy was scratched from yesterday’s start due to discomfort in his shoulder. The shoulder has given the 28-year-old issues for four of the past five seasons and has resulted in McCarthy missing four starts this year.

McCarthy was forced to the DL earlier this season due to the discomfort, but based on the clean report the A’s are hoping the right-hander won’t be forced back to the shelf.

Melvin hasn’t ruled out McCarthy for his next scheduled start on Saturday, but notes that it remains in doubt if he will be able to go. If he’s unable to pitch, the A’s will likely return the veteran to the DL in order to bring up a starter without making another roster move.

Over his 11 starts for the A’s this season, McCarthy has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 2.79 and 1.282 with 6.0 SO/9 and 2.3 BB/9.