Milone, Parker getting plenty of rest

ANAHEIM -- The A's will round out their post-All-Star break rotation with Tommy Milone pitching Monday and Jarrod Parker throwing Tuesday -- meaning each will have at least 10 days of rest between starts.

"For younger guys that have had quite a workload for us -- not only this year but last year -- we were looking for ways last year to be able to [get them some rest]," Melvin said. "And I think both benefitted from it."

Parker's last outing came on July 12, meaning he'll face Houston on 10 days' rest. Tommy Milone pitched on July 10 -- and only lasted 2 2/3 innings -- so he'll be working with 11 days between starts.

In his career, Milone is 5-1 with a 3.33 ERA in starts coming off at least six days' rest.

"I think sometimes you feel drained without feeling like there's anything wrong," Milone said. "... Just getting that extra time off obviously helps. I think that's what we're trying to go for right now. Without having to skip a start, we got to push it back a little bit and use the All-Star break to our advantage.

For Parker, the numbers tell a similar tale. He's 12-10 with a 4.29 ERA in 25 starts on normal rest. But with at least one extra day, Parker is 7-4 with a 2.86 mark in 24 starts.

Both pitchers were given Monday through Wednesday off, and they resumed their throwing routine on Thursday, the final day of the All-Star break.