Harden expected to miss season

The injury bug continues to ravage Rich Harden's career.

The Oakland Athletics pitcher had surgery to repair a torn capsule in his shoulder last week and is expected to miss the entire season, according to Peter Gammons of the MLB Network.

The injury caused Harden to suffer a drop in velocity so he decided to get the shoulder repaired by Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Florida.

It is the same injury that has slowed down New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana's career.

Harden, who is said to be interested in returning to Oakland, is hoping to be healthy for the start of the 2013 season.

"There's no reason, if I work hard, I can't get back to where I was before," Harden told The San Francisco Chronicle on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old started only 15 games last season and posted 4-4 record with a 5.12 ERA in 82 2/3 innings with the Athletics.