Sean Doolittle’s DL stay extended, Butler out of A’s lineup again
The A’s had hoped to get the left-hander back this week, but Melvin said Doolittle didn’t feel quite where he wants to be yet after his most recent outing with Triple-A Nashville on Saturday evening.
Henderson Alvarez, yet to pitch for Oakland this season as he recovers from shoulder surgery, threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Saturday, all fastballs and changeups, and he could be on a rehab assignment soon.
Melvin said that DH Billy Butler remains out of action with a stomach illness.
The A’s lineup is a bit unusual today, with Chicago throwing a left-hander, Jose Quintana, and right-handed hitting Butler unavailable.
Another right-handed hitter, Danny Valencia, is 2 for 20 against Quintana and Valencia said Sunday morning, I’ve never hit him, I don’t know what it is.
Zach Neal is on the mound for Oakland, with Jesse Hahn (shoulder) scratched yesterday after a minor setback during his bullpen session Friday.