Melvin: One or two more rehab appearances for Doolittle before A's return
The Oakland Athletics are proceeding very carefully with 2014 All-Star reliever Sean Doolittle.
Though the lefty is close to returning to the A's after missing almost three months with a shoulder strain, they aren't in a hurry to get him back on the mound. This makes sense given the A's tremendous difficulties this season and their last-place stance in the AL West.
On Monday, manager Bob Melvin revealed to the media that the club still plans to have Doolittle throw a few more innings of rehab work before they consider activating him. Originally, it was thought he might join the club during their homestand this week, but now that's been bumped back an additional week.
Said Melvin to CSN Bay Area's Joe Stiglich regarding Doolittle's Sunday stint with Triple-A Nashville: “It’s the best he’s felt. And each and every time he’s said that. He’s getting more and more comfortable. We’ll still probably pitch him once or twice more.”
Doolittle's determination and hard work have gotten him close to a return for the Green and Gold - it'll just take a bit longer before it's fully realized.
