ARLINGTON, Texas — Paul Blackburn wasn’t supposed to be back quite this fast, but things change.
A’s manager Bob Melvin revealed the Brentwood native will be activated from the 60-day disabled list and get the start Thursday when the club returns to Oakland to begin a four-game series with the Kansas City Royals. Frankie Montas, who was originally scheduled to go Thursday will get pushed back to Friday. Trevor Cahill will start Saturday, and Sean Manaea on Sunday.
Blackburn was in the middle of a minor league rehab assignment. He made one appearance with Single-A Stockton last week, allowing three runs on eight hits with a walk and a strikeout in 3 2/3 innings of work, and was set to move up to a 75-pitch outing with Triple-A Nashville this week.