Doolittle (shoulder) fired a scoreless eighth inning in the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rays, recording a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran southpaw got through his frame in a quick 13 pitches, nine of which he threw for strikes. It was an extension of the success that Doolittle enjoyed over his last three rehab outings after he made some adjustments to his mechanics. A healthy and effective Doolittle would naturally make for a particularly valuable left-handed late-inning asset out of the bullpen for manager Bob Melvin.

Doolittle (shoulder) was activated off the disabled list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

As anticipated, Doolittle will return to the A's ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Rays. Doolittle missed over a month due to a shoulder issue, but a strong showing during his rehab assignment showed he was ready to return to the A's bullpen. He has a 3.52 ERA with a 0.78 WHIP over nine appearances with the A's this season and he figures to settle into a late relief role immediately.

Doolittle (shoulder) made adjustments in his mechanics during his rehab that have brought his velocity back up to the mid-90s, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "I was working on some mechanical stuff and I feel really good with where I'm at," said Doolittle. "I was trying to get back to the way I used to throw, a more simplified version of it."

EDGE Analysis

The veteran southpaw spent time watching video of his 2012-13 seasons while in rehab and made adjustments accordingly, resulting in three perfect innings across three appearances. Doolittle's fastball also was consistently in the 94-95 mph range and he found that the new approach helped his slider, particularly versus right-handed hitters. The 30-year-old will be activated Saturday prior to the doubleheader versus the Rays.

Doolittle (shoulder) is set to rejoin the team prior to Saturday's doubleheader, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle has been out since early May with a left shoulder strain that had previously caused the reliever to miss 180 games since 2015. There was no structural damage to shoulder and the left-hander has progressed while rehabbing at High-A Stockton over the past week. He will likely see some time on the mound with the A's going up against the Rays twice Saturday, but the 30-year-old appears to be ready to go without any cause for concern.

Doolittle (shoulder) will make his final minor-league rehab appearance Wednesday with the hopes of rejoining the Athletics on Friday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle, who has been on the disabled list since May 3 with a shoulder strain, tossed two scoreless innings of rehab work with High-A Stockton this past week. If he makes it through Wednesday's appearance without any setbacks, he'll likely rejoin the Athletics' bullpen prior to their weekend series against the Rays.

Doolittle (shoulder) will throw for High-A Stockton again on Sunday or Monday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He logged an inning for the Ports on Friday, recording zero strikeouts while allowing zero baserunners. The A's will likely be pretty careful with their prized lefty reliever, but if he can avoid setbacks, he should return sometime in June.

Doolittle (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Stockton on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle appears to be on the cusp of a return after missing all of May with a shoulder strain. The 30-year-old will toss one inning for Stockton on Friday, and he'll likely need to make one or two additional rehab appearances before rejoining the big club. Barring any setbacks, the hope is that Doolittle will be back with the A's before mid-June.

Doolittle (shoulder) threw 19 pitches and faced six batters at extended spring training Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Of the six batters he faced, Dollittle managed to strike out four. More news pertaining to Doolittle's eventual return should be available as he continues to increase his level of throwing, but Tuesday's workout is another step in the right direction for the southpaw.

Doolittle (shoulder) is expected to throw approximately 20 pitches to hitters at extended spring training Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Doolittle also faced hitters over the weekend, so if his repeat session Monday goes well, his next activity could be heading out on a rehab assignment at a minor-league affiliate. The lefty looks on track to return from the disabled list at some point in June, at which time he'll likely reclaim a prominent role in the late innings for the Athletics.

Doolittle (shoulder) will face hitters in Arizona on Saturday, Joe Stiglich of NBC Sports California reports.

EDGE Analysis

A rehab assignment has not yet begun, but Doolittle continues to progress in Arizona. He most recently threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday.