OAKLAND –- The A’s are confident that ace Sonny Gray doesn’t need a trip to the disabled list as he recovers from a case of salmonella that hospitalized him.
Gray was set to play catch for the second consecutive day since being released from the hospital Wednesday. Though manager Bob Melvin maintained that Chris Bassitt will probably start in Gray’s place Sunday against Seattle, Melvin is optimistic Gray will return to the mound not long after that.
“We’re not looking at Sunday, but maybe shortly thereafter,” the manager said.
[STIGLICH: Reddick, Melvin clear air over 'miscommunication']
The A’s are off Monday and then begin a three-game series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday. The timing of Gray’s start is important as it pertains to the All-Star Game. Should he pitch Tuesday, he would then face Cleveland on July 12, the Sunday before the All-Star Game. That would make him ineligible to pitch in the Midsummer Classic two days later, though he could still go to Cincinnati, be part of the American League squad and participate in all the festivities.
Melvin was asked if the team would take the All-Star Game into account when deciding where to slot Gray back in the rotation.
“I think you first have to look at the team and how we can get him pitching for us sooner than later,” Melvin said.
[STIGLICH: Gray back with A's, but next start still unknown]
With the A’s pondering that decision, Gray said he felt good after playing catch Thursday. He was scheduled to ramp up his activity with some running Friday.
The right-hander did clear another hurdle. He’s had to ease back into his regular diet after being sick, and for lunch Friday he enjoyed his first heavy-duty meal – a burrito bowl from Chipotle, though it consisted of just steak, rice and lettuce.
