OAKLAND -- The return of Kendall Graveman is on the horizon.
Oakland's Opening Day starter, sidelined by a shoulder injury since the end of May, is eyeing the start of a Minor League rehab assignment next week. Graveman said Saturday he's likely to pitch with Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.
The goal is for him to get up to three innings, or 45 pitches, before progressing to 60 pitches and, finally, 75-80. Graveman, who made just eight starts in the first half, hopes to return to the A's at the beginning of August.
"He's felt good here recently," A's manager Bob Melvin said, "so it's time to get him out and stretched out.