Mark

Mulder

The A’s are considering giving Joe Blanton the start after the two pitchers’ vastly different performances yesterday. Expect a decision in this regard by tomorrow.

Mulder worked hard last winter to return from hip surgery. This season, he’ll go back to his old routine, which won’t involve throwing off a mound until next month.

Mulder, who had not pitched since Aug. 19 after incurring a stress fracture in his hip, would have worked out of the bullpen.

Mulder doesn’t know when he will be able to return. He won’t pitch in the regular season, but it’s possible he could pitch in the playoffs. ''They said six weeks, and that would be Oct. 1. I’d love to be back earlier, but they’re being realistic with me.’'

“I’m 100 percent,” Mulder said. “I’m totally fine. Everything is completely normal.” Mulder will be perfectly safe to draft this year.

Mulder did play catch yesterday. The A’s don’t appear concerned about the problem.

“I’m fine now. I felt fine yesterday,” he said. “It’s no big deal.”

Mulder has been back to normal for over a month now. “Everything is fine. I’m 100 percent ready to go,” he said.

He’ll pitch in a game this weekend. The injury shouldn’t effect his fantasy value if the rest of spring is smooth.

Regardless of how long he’s out, the A’s have no plans to DL Mulder since roster expansion is around the corner.