Righty (shoulder inflammation) moving closer to return from DL

Joe Blanton throws strike three on Brock Stassi for the first out of the 8th inningOAKLAND -- Dusty Baker has noticed a happier Joe Blanton walking around the clubhouse lately, a signal to Baker that Blanton is making progress as he prepares to return from right shoulder inflammation that sent him to the disabled list. Blanton threw his first bullpen session Friday afternoon, and although Baker did not watch, he received a scouting report from his son, Darren.

"In his young wisdom, he said he looked pretty good," Baker said with a smile. "I trust his eye."

Blanton had been attempting to pitch through his shoulder injury for a while, before it eventually landed him on the disabled list on May…