Graveman on track to return soon

OAKLAND -- A's right-hander Kendall Graveman, recovering from a minor right shoulder strain, remains on track to rejoin the rotation in Anaheim next week.
Graveman threw a bullpen session without any issues Friday and "felt great," according to manager Bob Melvin.
Melvin wouldn't commit to a date for Graveman's return, but all signs point to him being reinstated from the 10-day disabled list when eligible Tuesday.
"At some point in time we'll figure something out," Melvin said. "We haven't sat down and talked about it, but he felt good, and that's everything we were looking for today out of him."
Graveman allowed four earned runs across 18 innings for a 2.00 ERA in his first three starts, before hitting the DL. Right-hander César Valdez pitched in his place Thursday against the Mariners and was optioned back to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.
Valdez, who was back on a Major League mound for the first time in seven years, yielded three runs in four innings in a 9-6 A's victory.
"He contributed to that game last night," Melvin said. "A lot of guys did, but it started with him. He did his job, and I told him that today.
"Unfortunately we have to send him down, but it would not surprise me if he's back. Obviously he can start, he can relieve, he throws the ball over the plate, impressed us in spring. I don't have enough good things to say about him. Good man on top of it."
Worth Noting
• Right-hander Chris Bassitt (Tommy John surgery) threw two sets of 15 pitches in a bullpen session Friday, getting the clear to travel to Arizona for a 45-pitch simulated outing Monday.
• Reliever John Axford (shoulder) has yet to resume a throwing program. He did some sock throws earlier in the week but felt slight discomfort in his shoulder.