Gray’s start ‘a good step’
Sonny Gray was in good spirits Sunday, knowing his latest rehab work went well, and he seems close to returning to the A’s rotation.
“I was excited to go out without limitations other than the pitch count,” said Gray, who’s overcoming a strained lat muscle. “Physically, no limitations. It’s exciting to feel like that again.”
Saturday night, Gray threw 47 pitches in five scoreless innings for Class A Stockton (one hit, no walks) and 18 more pitches in the bullpen. His next assignment is 75 pitches for Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.
And then, presumably, the big leagues. He’s on pace to pitch for the A’s in Minnesota during their first series of May.
“I felt great. I feel good again today,” said Gray, who was targeted for four innings but went five because he was so efficient. “It was a good step in the right direction.”
Gray seemed to have a blast at Stockton. It was his first appearance in Class A ball — he started his pro career with one start in rookie league and jumped to Double-A — and he got to the Ports’ ballpark early.
Gray hung around with the A’s prospects, including 6foot-7 lefty A.J. Puk, the team’s top pick in last year’s draft, whose locker was adjacent to Gray’s.
“You throw in extended spring training and in some simulated games,” Gray said, “but when you get a rehab assignment on a team that’s been playing together and competing every day, it’s nice to go and have a small part of that and be around some of those guys and hopefully show them a routine.
“It was fun to pitch in Stockton, for sure.” A’s-Angels trade: The A’s acquired outfielder Ryan LaMarre, 28, from the Angels for a player to be named or cash and sent him to Nashville. LaMarre is 2-for-30 in 26 bigleague games with the Reds and Red Sox.
To clear space on the 40man roster, the A’s transferred pitcher Chris Bassitt (Tommy John surgery) to the 60-day disabled list, which is retroactive to the start of the season.
LaMarre was designated for assignment Tuesday. He hit .268 in 10 games with Triple-A Salt Lake.