PAUL BLACKBURN NEWS

Earns win in return Blackburn (4-2) allowed four runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two over five innings to earn the win Friday over the Angels.

Impact Blackburn's return from a stress reaction in his right foot got off to a rough start -- he allowed two-run home runs to Taylor Ward and Nolan Schanuel in the first inning. Manager Mark Kotsay let Blackburn work through the issues, and the right-hander did well to settle in before exiting after 72 pitches (41 strikes). He's now at a 4.41 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB through 51 innings over nine starts this season. Blackburn may have modest workload restrictions over his next one or two starts, and he's projected for a challenging home outing against the Dodgers next week.

JULY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Activated ahead of start The Athletics reinstated Blackburn (foot) from the 60-day injured list ahead of his start Friday against the Angels.

Impact Blackburn has been out since May 10 after suffering a stress reaction in his right foot. He has since made three rehab appearances in the minor leagues, giving up eight earned runs in just four total innings of work. He only managed to reach 49 pitches in 2.2 frames during his latest outing Saturday, and manager Mark Kotsay said the right-hander will be limited to roughly 65-to-70 pitches during his first MLB start in over two months. Hogan Harris was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move.

JULY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Returning from IL on Friday Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said that Blackburn (foot) will be reinstated from the 60-day injured list to start Friday's game against the Angels in Anaheim, MLB.com reports.

Impact Blackburn will make his first start for the Athletics since May 10, when he suffered a right foot stress reaction during his outing in Seattle and was subsequently placed on the IL. The Athletics are electing to activate Blackburn despite the fact that he maxed out at 2.2 innings and 49 pitches during his three minor-league rehab starts and was most recently roughed up for seven runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks in his last outing for Triple-A Las Vegas on July 20. Kotsay said that Blackburn will be limited to around 65-to-70 pitches Friday, and the Athletics could turn to Joey Estes out of the bullpen if length is needed behind Blackburn.

JULY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Athletics face the Angels with 1-0 series lead

The Oakland Athletics bring a 1-0 lead into the next game of the series against the Los Angeles Angels

JULY 26 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hit hard in Triple-A outing Blackburn (foot) started Triple-A Las Vegas' loss to Salt Lake on Saturday night and was charged with the loss, allowing seven runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks over 2...

Impact Blackburn bumped up his rehab assignment to Triple-A after making his first two appearances with Single-A Stockton, and the results were about as concerning as his final line implies. The right-hander immediately got off on the wrong foot by allowing a leadoff homer to MLB veteran Jake Marisnick, who also got to Blackburn for an RBI double in the third inning. In all, Blackburn worked up to 49 pitches, but he located only 26 for strikes. Given he's been ineffective in two of his first rehab appearances, Blackburn appears set to make at least a couple more starts with an affiliate in an effort to build up some confidence ahead of activation.

JULY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Completes second rehab outing Blackburn (foot) worked two-thirds of an inning in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Sugar Land on Sunday, allowing a hit and a walk while recording a strikeout. He also hit a batter.

Impact Blackburn's busy outing featured 23 pitches due to his subpar control, with the right-hander locating 14 of those offerings for strikes. Blackburn was originally slated to remain with Single-A Stockton for Sunday's rehab appearance after an even poorer outing that also lasted two-thirds of an inning Tuesday. However, that plan was apparently altered in recent days, and Blackburn may now remain with the Aviators for the duration of his rehab assignment. Given how his first two minor-league appearances have unfolded, Blackburn will likely remain on the farm for at least another couple of outings, including a potential start.

JULY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Staying put for next rehab outing Blackburn (foot) will remain with Single-A Stockton for his next rehab appearance, which will take place Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Impact Blackburn scuffled through a 23-pitch rehab debut Tuesday against Rancho Cucamonga, lasting just two-thirds of an inning and surrendering three earned runs. A previous report had indicated Blackburn would move up to Triple-A Las Vegas for his second rehab outing, but it appears Tuesday's rough showing led to those plans being scuttled. Blackburn presumably remains on track to return shortly after the All-Star break, as he came away from his first minor-league appearance feeling healthy.

JULY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Poor showing in rehab debut Blackburn (foot) appeared in relief for Single-A Stockton against Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday, allowing three earned runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. He...

Impact Blackburn was slated to throw about 35 pitches, but he was pulled after just 23 due to his struggles. The right-hander worked himself into trouble immediately upon entering in the third inning, issuing back-to-back walks and allowing a pair of run-scoring singles. Blackburn could still be bumped up to Triple-A Las Vegas for his next rehab appearance Sunday, although it remains to be seen if Tuesday's poor showing alters those plans.

JULY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Next rehab steps outlined Blackburn (foot) will throw a bullpen session Saturday and then report to Single-A Stockton to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Impact The right-hander is finally on the cusp of a long-awaited return to game action, provided Saturday's bullpen session goes well. Blackburn is slated to follow fellow rehabbing starter Ross Stripling (elbow) out of the bullpen in Stockton's game Tuesday and is projected to throw up to 35 pitches. If the outing goes well, Blackburn will then be slated to bump his rehab assignment up to Triple-A Las Vegas for a likely start or appearance on Sunday, July 14.

JULY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Next rehab steps outlined Blackburn (foot) will throw a bullpen session Saturday and then report to Single-A Stockton to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Impact The right-hander is finally on the cusp of a long-awaited return to game action, provided Saturday's bullpen session goes well. Blackburn is slated to follow fellow rehabbing starter Ross Stripling (elbow) out of the bullpen in Stockton's game Tuesday and is projected to throw up to 35 pitches. If the outing goes well, Blackburn will then be slated to bump his rehab assignment up to Triple-A Las Vegas for a likely start or appearance Sunday, July 14.

JULY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Live BP completed Wednesday Blackburn (foot) threw live batting practice before Wednesday's game against the Angels, the Associated Press reports.

Impact The right-hander has now completed two bullpen sessions and Wednesday's live batting practice in the last eight days, meaning his recovery has really started to pick up the pace. Manager Mark Kotsay had previously stated Blackburn would head out on a rehab assignment if there were no residual effects from Wednesday's activity, and the coming days should confirm whether that's still the plan of action.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Angels try to end road slide, face the Athletics

The Los Angeles Angels will aim to break their three-game road skid in a matchup with the Oakland Athletics

JULY 4 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels meet in game 2 of series

The Oakland Athletics lead 1-0 in a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels

JULY 3 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Athletics open 3-game series at home against the Angels

The Oakland Athletics open a three-game series at home against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday

JULY 2 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cleared to face hitters Blackburn (foot) is scheduled to face hitters in live batting practice Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Impact Ross Stripling (elbow) is set to do the same Wednesday, as both hurlers look to be in the same spot in their respective rehab programs. Given that Stripling has been on the injured list since May 25 while Blackburn was deactivated May 13, the latter pitcher could need more time to get fully stretched back out during an eventual minor-league rehab assignment. The Athletics will likely determine whether either or both of Stripling or Blackburn ire ready to report to an affiliate based on how they fare during their live sessions Wednesday.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Throwing off mound Thursday Blackburn (foot) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Impact Thursday will mark the first time Blackburn has thrown off a mound since he landed on the injured list May 13 due to a fracture in his right foot. He isn't expected to return until after the All-Star break, but a more precise return timeline for the 30-year-old may emerge after he throws a few additional bullpen sessions and progresses to facing live hitters.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Still in walking boot Blackburn (foot) remains in a walking boot and will likely be reevaluated when the Athletics return to begin their next homestand Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Impact The right-hander appears to still be some time away from returning if this latest report is any indication, considering he'll need to presumably go through at least a throwing progression that includes multiple bullpen sessions before being considered for activation. Blackburn's placement on the injured list is retroactive to May 11, but at this point, he appears to be tracking for a mid-June return at the earliest.

MAY 30 • ROTOWIRE

A's place RHP Paul Blackburn (foot) on 15-day IL The Oakland Athletics placed right-hander Paul Blackburn on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right foot injury and recalled left-hander...

MAY 13 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Dylan Moore sets career high with 5 RBIs to help Mariners topple Athletics 8-1

Dylan Moore hit a two-run homer and had a career-high five RBIs to help the Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland Athletics 8-1 on Friday night

MAY 11 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mariners start 3-game series at home against the Athletics

The Seattle Mariners open a three-game series at home against the Oakland Athletics on Friday

MAY 10 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Marlins bring road skid into matchup against the Athletics

The Miami Marlins will look to break their four-game road losing streak in a matchup with the Oakland Athletics

MAY 4 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Orioles and Athletics play with series tied 1-1

Both the Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland Athletics are looking for a series win with a victory on Sunday

APRIL 28 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rizzo's 2-run homer in 4-run first leads Yankees over Athletics 4-3

Anthony Rizzo snapped a lengthy power drought with a two-run homer that capped a four-run first inning, and the New York Yankees held on for a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics

APRIL 24 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Athletics play the Yankees leading series 1-0

The Oakland Athletics play the New York Yankees with a 1-0 series lead

APRIL 23 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Blackburn gets win, but his season-opening scoreless streak ends OAKLAND -- Paul Blackburn had a date with destiny. No pitcher in the Modern Era has begun a season with four consecutive scoreless starts. E...

APRIL 17 • MLB.COM