BALTIMORE — The list of A’s starting pitchers currently rehabbing from injuries is enough to construct a starting rotation you would feel good about giving a strong outing every night. They are not all ready to get back just yet, but returns are getting closer.
Jharel Cotton began throwing to hitters for the first time earlier this week, with A.J. Puk expected to join him in doing so in the coming days. Both pitchers underwent Tommy John surgery less than a month apart from each other before the start of the 2018 regular season.
Facing hitters is a monumental step for both in their rehab.