MESA, Ariz. – Sean Doolittle has played catch twice, the smallest of steps on the road that will eventually lead him back to the A’s bullpen.
But it’s meant the world to the lefty, who has been sidelined all spring with a slightly torn rotator cuff that also figures to keep him out all of April.
“You feel like you’re a little more a part of things now that you can do more baseball activity,” Doolittle said Tuesday morning.
He’s happy to be breaking camp and heading north with the team Wednesday. Doolittle will continue his rehab in Oakland, gradually increasing the distance at which he plays catch before eventually getting on the mound.
“I think it’ll be good to be there with the team and be around things,” Doolittle said. “I plan on contributing a lot this year. I think it’s important to stay around the team. I think that will keep me in a good spot mentally.”
As for other morning news, the A’s have several players taking part in minor league games today, including outfielders Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick, Opening Night starter Sonny Gray and catcher Josh Phegley, and a couple of relievers.
Barry Zito takes the hill in the major league game against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe.
