(AP)
SURPRISE, Ariz. — A bout of food poisoning zapped Sean Doolittle of his strength in recent days.
Fortunately for the A’s closer, it was a light work day Saturday afternoon.
In his first Cactus League appearance in nearly two weeks, Doolittle needed just six pitches to register a 1-2-3 inning and provide a highlight in Oakland’s 5-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals.
The lefty hadn’t appeared in an exhibition since March 13 because of a mild triceps strain. His return was brief and effortless. He jammed his fastball inside to get a groundout from Cody Decker and a pop-up from Tony Cruz, then coaxed a comebacker from Travis Snider on a slider.