OAKLAND -- A's reliever John Axford, anxious to get his season started, is that much closer after throwing an extended bullpen session at the Coliseum on Sunday morning.
Axford totaled 30 pitches in the side session -- facing two simulated batters -- and will be back on a mound Wednesday to throw batting practice as he continues his rehab from a shoulder strain.
The veteran pitcher, who is in the middle of his first career disabled list stint, said he was throwing at full strength Sunday -- a byproduct of being built up when he was injured while he was warming up during a game in the first week of regular-season play.