MESA, Ariz. – Closer Sean Doolittle is dealing with a slight triceps strain in his throwing arm that has sidelined him the past few days.
A’s manager Bob Melvin said the lefty is improving, and that he'll throw off flat ground Sunday. If that goes well, he will probably throw off the mound Monday. Doolittle last appeared in a game exactly a week ago.
“If we don’t get any setbacks here, then he’ll be fine for the (start of the) season,” Melvin said.
Doolittle’s status obviously merits monitoring, as the A’s are looking for his healthy return to the closer’s role to anchor a bullpen that was revamped with several offseason additions.