Doolittle (shoulder) will throw to hitters Friday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports. Doolittle was able to throw close to 100 percent in Tuesday's bullpen session, and the next step will now be throwing against hitters. Assuming he gets through Friday's session without incident, a rehab assignment could follow shortly afterward.

Doolittle (shoulder) threw close to 100 percent in Tuesday's bullpen session and he could face hitters Friday, the Bay Area News Group's John Hickey reports. Manager Bob Melvin said this was the first time Doolittle had been able to throw at 100 percent effort during his recovery. Should he face hitters in a simulated game Friday, a rehab assignment could be right around the corner.

Doolittle (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Thursday and will throw another one Sunday, CSN California's Joe Stiglich reports. He threw fastballs and changeups and appears close to going on a rehab outing. Meanwhile Tyler Clippard will continue to serve as the A's closer, but he has not built up any momentum in the role to suggest Doolittle won't be given a chance to win the job back when he's healthy.

Doolittle threw off a mound for the first time on Tuesday, throwing 21 pitches, reports John Shea of he San Francisco Chronicle. Doolittle is getting closer to a rehab assignment, but still will need a few more side sessions before that occurs. Assuming no setbacks, Doolittle is still likely to be back with the A's in late May. Once fully healthy, he will likely reclaim his role as the A's closer.

Doolittle threw 15 pitches in a bullpen session Friday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports. Doolittle continues to work his way back from a shoulder issue, and is apparently working on new grips for both his changeup and slider. It's unclear what role he would serve when returning to the bullpen, but he could be in competition for saves if Tyler Clippard were to falter.

Doolittle (shoulder) is scheduled for his first flat-ground throwing session Friday, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports. Doolittle has been playing catch on flat ground, recently extending out to 120 feet without issue, but he will move it in and throw his fastball to a catcher next week. It's an important step for the left-hander, but manager Bob Melvin indicated last week that Doolittle may not make it back until late May.

Doolittle (shoulder) tossed the ball up to 120 feet Tuesday, Joe Stiglich of CSN reports. Doolittle was placed on the 15-day DL April 1, but it is still not known when he will come back and pitch. Tossing the ball is a sign of progress towards being back on the mound, but it's no guarantee that if and when he comes back, he will have a major role in the Athletics' bullpen. In the meantime, Tyler Clippard (2.25 ERA, three hits, one run in four innings of play) has taken over the closer position for the Athletics.

Manager Bob Melvin indicated Sunday that Doolittle's (shoulder) return may be slated for late May, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Doolittle will pitch from a mound Sunday, but appears to be over a month from a potential return to the bullpen. Tyler Clippard will likely continue in the closer duties while he's on the shelf, and there's no guarantee Doolittle will return to the role when he does rejoin the bullpen.

Doolittle (shoulder) will increase his throwing distance from 75 feet to 90 feet when he plays catch Wednesday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports. Less than two weeks ago, Doolittle was still restricted to sock throws, but he resumed throwing actual baseballs last Thursday and is already set to increase the distance of his long toss. He will continue to gradually increase his distance in anticipation of returning to a mound. The lefty appears on track to return by late April or early May.

Doolittle (shoulder) was officially placed on the 15-Day DL on Saturday. Doolittle continues to progress in his should rehab and has started to throw long toss. Barring any setbacks, he is expected to join the team in late April or early May.