Henderson Alvarez

Athletics' Henderson Alvarez throws off mound

Oakland Athletics pitcher Henderson Alvarez (shoulder) threw a successful 35-pitch bullpen session Saturday.

What It Means:

"Felt great," Athletics manager Bob Melvin said of Alvarez. "Considering his next step now." Alvarez had a setback with his surgically-repaired right shoulder last month but appears close to resuming a rehab assignment. He's certainly not out of the woods yet, though.

Before going down with injury, Alvarez had an ERA of 3.45 through 15.2 innings pitched in AAA this season.