Brandon McCarthy threw a bullpen session on Wednesday and according to multiple reports, he suffered no lingering effects from the irregular soreness that put him on the 15-day disabled list. This throwing session is supposed to be the last hurdle before McCarthy is activated. If his arm recovers Thursday he will be activated before Saturday's game. The day McCarthy went on the DL, he told me he was confident he could return when eligible on June 2. His reasoning was that the recent shoulder pain he had suffered from had nothing to do with the scapula. Last season when he went on the DL for six weeks, it was due to scapula issues. This time he had no such issues, just extra lingering soreness. He underwent two MRIs and neither scan showed any problems in his right shoulder. McCarthy said he was experiencing pain in his shoulder during his May 17 start against the Rangers. His previous start against Detroit, was arguably the best of his career. He threw seven innings, with 10 strikeouts and no walks. That start against the Tigers came after he skipped a start to get extra rest. The decision to go on the DL was a means to get McCarthy even more rest as a precautionary measure. McCarthy is 3-3 with a 2.95 ERA this season. He was the team's opening day starter. This season he has averaged 90.8 MPH on his fastball, which is nearly identical to last season. His main attribute is his pinpoint control. This season he has thrown 63 percent first-pitch strikes, and is first on the team, averaging 15.9 pitches per inning. The A's will likely be shipping several players out soon. McCarthy and Yoenis Cespedes are expected to be activated from the DL while in Kansas City. Manny Ramirez could soon be on the way as well.
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