Griffin, Pomeranz cleared to start rehab stints

OAKLAND -- A's pitchers A.J. Griffin and Drew Pomeranz have been cleared to begin Minor League rehab assignments.

Griffin will throw a bullpen session Saturday and start for Class A Advanced Stockton on Tuesday. Griffin, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to throw 45 pitches or three innings for the Ports.

Pomeranz, who threw off the mound Thursday for the first time since hitting the disabled list with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, will join Stockton on Sunday and pitch two innings or 35 pitches.

Reliever Eric O'Flaherty, out with a strained left shoulder since the beginning of the month, will throw one inning or 25 pitches for the Ports on Saturday, marking his second rehab outing. It could also be his last before rejoining the A's.

"There's going to be a lot going on in Stockton," A's manager Bob Melvin said with a chuckle.

• Outfielder Coco Crisp will have a bone scan and an epidural Monday in Los Angeles. Crisp will likely be out until after the All-Star break, but Billy Burns has filled in admirably in his absence, entering Friday batting .302.

Video: NYY@OAK: Burns rips a solo shot over the wall in left

"With Coco going down, it's terrific to get [Burns] in there every day," Melvin said. "He's been durable and given us a lot in that leadoff spot when we've been missing one of our key players."

• Left-hander Scott Kazmir, who is expected to only miss one start after exiting Wednesday's start with shoulder tightness, will resume throwing Saturday.

• A's pitchers participated in pitchers' fielding practice, or PFP, Friday afternoon as a refresher.

• Reliever Edward Mujica (fractured right thumb) will likely have his stitches out this weekend, but Melvin said there is no timetable for his return.