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TOKYO -- The Oakland Athletics added designated hitter Mike Sweeney to their 25-man roster for the season-opening games against the Boston Red Sox in Japan.
The A's purchased Sweeney's contract from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, they placed right-hander Kiko Calero on the 60-day disabled list with a torn right rotator cuff.
Oakland's Joe Blanton was to face Daisuke Matsuzaka on Tuesday night at Tokyo Dome in the major league season opener. Rich Harden will start Wednesday against Boston's Jon Lester.
The A's also placed third baseman Eric Chavez and right-hander Chad Gaudin on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 19. Chavez is rehabbing from offseason back surgery and Gaudin is rehabbing from offseason surgery on his left hip.
In other moves, infielder Gregorio Petit was optioned to Sacramento. The A's also designated pitchers Justin Duchscherer and Dana Eveland and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez inactive for the two games against Boston in Japan.
The A's can carry 28 players for the games in Japan, with 25 eligible to play.