OAKLAND — John Axford is getting closer to helping shoulder the burden of being a contributing member of the Athletics bullpen.
Axford, who has missed all 30 games with a right shoulder strain, threw 31 pitches in a bullpen session Sunday preceding the Athletics’ game against the Detroit Tigers.
“I just warmed up like I would going into a game, a general warm-up routine, and then faced two simulated batters,” Axford said. “Someone stood in the box to get that kind of feel. It feels really good. I was season-ready (when injured) so I was already built up strong, ready to go.