Doolittle’s climb complete

Even before the game, the A’s made news — check, make that Sean Doolittle made news.

The left-handed reliever completed a two-month surge through three rungs of the minor-league system and into the major leagues.

“I never in a million years would think, with two months of pitching under my belt, that I’d be here,” Doolittle said.

Doolittle was once a top prospect in Oakland’s system, considered a likely bigleague first baseman. Injuries stalled his career, and the onetime University of Virginia pitcher started to throw off the mound. He didn’t pitch in a pro game until instructional league last fall. He has 48 strikeouts in 25 innings this season.

“We knew Sean had the aptitude and the ability, but I don’t think anyone expected him to be in the big leagues in June,” assistant general manager David Forst said. One person did, though. “I said from Day 1 of spring training, ‘This is going to be the guy who shoots to the majors in one month,’ ” left-hander Dallas

Braden said. “It just took him a little longer than I thought.”

Left-hander Jordan Norberto was placed on the disabled list with a shoulder strain. He had a cortisone shot and is expected to be ready to go when eligible to come off the DL on June 15. Braden on Santana: Few people were watching Johan Santana’s no-hitter for the Mets on Friday more eagerly than Braden.

Braden — the author of a perfect game in 2010 — had the same shoulder-capsule surgery that Santana has come back from and went to the same surgeon, Dr. David

Altchek. Shoulder-capsule repairs are not common, and the results are mixed.

“I can say with all confidence that that was one of the most emotional moments I’ve had in this game,” Braden said. “I almost shed a tear, and I don’t know the dude. But I know all the question marks he’s faced.”

Braden’s recovery has been slow, just as Santana’s was.

“This not only gives me the confidence to know it’s doable, but to know it’s possible to get back and be even better,” Braden said.

Braden was ahead of schedule when he first returned from surgery, but he was shut down at the end of March. He is now playing catch three times a week at a distance of 80 feet.

Brett Anderson, shut down by forearm tightness last month as he recovers