A’s Doolittle back on mound as rehab continues
A’s Doolittle back on mound as rehab continues
Sean Doolittle stepped atop the pitcher’s mound at the Coliseum on Friday.
Only it was 3 p.m., more than four hours before game time, and the hitters were A’s teammates Tyler Ladendorf and Max Muncy.
Doolittle hasn’t pitched in a game since June 25 because of a strained left shoulder.
Melvin and pitching coach Curt Young stood near second base, watching carefully while Doolittle threw.
The A’s will see how he feels Saturday before deciding on his next step — another session with hitters or a minor-league rehabilitation assignment.
Ladendorf found himself looking for Doolittle’s signature fastball — and instead was fooled by a couple of well-placed changeups.
Melvin said Sonny Gray is still dealing with inflammation in his strained right forearm and has not resumed throwing. ...
Jesse Hahn (strained right shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday; Hahn said he hopes to pitch in a rehab game Tuesday.
Minor-league pitcher Yeudy Minaya was suspended 56 games after a positive PED test.
Minaya was on the roster of the Arizona League club.
Ron Kroichick is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.
Left-handed pitcher Patrick Schuster, designated for assignment Wednesday, was claimed off waivers by Philadelphia.
Schuster had a 10.80 ERA in five relief appearances this season for the A’s.