MESA, Ariz. -- Santiago Casilla's much-anticipated reunion with the A's unfolded on Sunday morning, with the veteran relief pitcher finally arriving in camp after waiting out a lengthy visa process in the Dominican Republic.
Casilla, who had been keeping up with a throwing program at the team's academy in his homeland, completed a bullpen session less than two hours after his arrival. Asked when he thinks he'll be ready to pitch in a game, the 36-year-old flashed his warm smile and said, "All I need is a ball in my hand."
A's manager Bob Melvin wasn't yet ready to map out Casilla's game schedule, though, and held off announcing a date for his Cactus League debut.