Athletics’ reliever John Axford making progress with shoulder strain

Reliever John Axford, out all season with a shoulder strain, has been missed in the bullpen.OAKLAND — John Axford is getting closer to helping shoulder the burden of being a contributing member of the Athletics bullpen.

Axford, who has missed all 30 games with a right shoulder strain, threw 31 pitches in a bullpen session Sunday preceding the Athletics’ game against the Detroit Tigers.

“I just warmed up like I would going into a game, a general warm-up routine, and then faced two simulated batters,” Axford said. “Someone stood in the box to get that kind of feel. It feels really good. I was season-ready (when injured) so I was already built up strong, ready to go. A few weeks off throwing is…