OAKLAND -- The A's activated right-hander Jharel Cotton Sunday morning, a day after announcing he'd fill in for Sonny Gray, whose start was pushed back.
With the non-waiver Trade Deadline coming at 1 p.m. PT on Monday, the A's elected to push Gray's start to Monday, with the dual purpose of giving him an extra day of rest and also allowing more time for a potential deal to be made.
Cotton made his final rehab outing Tuesday with Triple-A Nashville, throwing six scoreless innings and allowing just two hits and one walk. He struck out nine, throwing 84 pitches, something Melvin feels is important for a younger pitcher.