Graveman eager to pitch

Kendall Graveman is confident he’ll be healthy enough to stick in the rotation. He’ll be activated from the disabled list Thursday to face the Giants in his first start since May 19.

“Yeah, it feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve been on the mound,” said Graveman, who has been on the disabled list twice with a shoulder strain.

The Opening Night starter had a couple of rough rehab starts before putting it together Saturday for Triple-A Nashville, giving up one run in four innings while topping 80 pitches. He said he had better sink on his pitches and hit the mid-90s with his final fastball.

Graveman missed just 10 games in his first DL stint. This time, it’ll be more than 60.

“I’m back to where I can compete,” he said. “I’m excited to be back out there. Now I’ve got to get back to facing hitters and trying to go six, seven, eight, nine innings every time.” In memoriam: The Giants on Tuesday learned that longtime clubhouse employee David Lowenstein has died at 60. He had been in ill health.

Lowenstein was the stepson of the late Giants general manager Al Rosen. Though challenged with numerous physical issues, Lowenstein lightened the mood in the clubhouse. For years in spring training it was tradition for Lowenstein to start the daily pre-workout meeting by telling a joke.

“He was just a beautiful person,” manager Bruce Bochy said. Briefly: Giants outfielder Jarrett Parker, who has not played in the majors since he broke his collarbone crashing into the left-field wall April 15, will be activated Wednesday. Bochy said Parker will share time with other outfielders. … Giants closer Mark Melancon (forearm strain) is scheduled to make his second rehab start for Class A San Jose on Wednesday. … The A’s released reliever John Axford five days after he was designated for assignment. In the second year of a two-year, $10 million contract, Axford posted a 6.43 ERA after missing the first few weeks with a shoulder injury. ... A’s manager Bob Melvin said he plans to use Blake Treinen more in the closer’s role while still keeping Santiago Casilla in the fold. Treinen began the season as the Nationals’ closer before losing the job a couple of weeks into the season.