Chad

Bradford

Bradford, who’s eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday, will throw no more than 25 pitches for Sacramento today, Macha said. Slowly but surely, the A’s bullpen is getting stronger. Octavio Dotel is having a nice second half, and Ricardo Rincon and Arthur Rhodes are back from injuries. With Bradford nearly back and Jairo Garcia looking like a future stud, things are looking up.

The side-arm reliever completed his rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Sacramento without any setbacks. The A’s will likely demote Justin Lehr to make room on their roster for Bradford.

Bradford’s back problems may be here to stay. ''The way he throws is really hard on the back,’' trainer Larry Davis said. ''There’s no way to change that, that’s what makes him good and makes him effective, so we just have to deal with the trauma it causes.’' At least the A’s will be better equipped to deal with Bradford’s problems this year. They have several relievers capable of retiring right-handed hitters.

With no runners on base, Bradford uses one continuous motion while taking the ball from behind his back and into his glove before delivering his submarine pitch. With people on base, that would be a balk. With nobody on base, the A’s say, the rule book has no such provision.

Bradford has not begun pitching to hitters again yet.

Bradford has yet to pitch this spring due to back spasms.

Bradford will throw batting practice tomorrow. He’s scheduled to make his spring debut on Tuesday.

Bradford will make his spring debut tomorrow.

Bradford made only four appearances during the spring because of back spasms and didn’t throw more than 25 pitches in any one of them. If Arthur Rhodes falters, the A’s could be in trouble if Bradford isn’t ready to step in. There’s no real reason to think that will happen, though.

Bradford threw three scoreless innings on Friday night and will be rested again today. No need to worry if you own Bradford in a fantasy pool.