Anderson's latest bullpen session problem-free

OAKLAND -- Brett Anderson continues to provide the A's with nothing but encouraging news these days.

The A's lefty, sidelined since the end of April because of a stress fracture in his right foot, threw another bullpen on Tuesday afternoon, tallying 57 pitches without any issues. Teammate Nate Freiman stood in for the final 25.

"Good, really good," manager Bob Melvin said. "It's been encouraging to see. He's done a lot of work to keep his arm in shape, and it shows right now. A little bit more worried about the foot, but at this point had no issues with it at all and really got after it today."

A simulated game is likely next for Anderson, though Melvin said a concrete plan won't be announced until Wednesday. Should that be the case, a rehab assignment will probably follow, meaning his return could potentially come within the next two weeks, right around mid-August, as initially projected.

Melvin noted that it "depends where we are" when asked what the ideal pitch count would be for Anderson to reach before being activated, meaning the A's are still keeping the option open of bringing him back in the bullpen.

Such a scenario becomes even more probable if the A's add to their rotation before Wednesday's looming non-waiver Trade Deadline. White Sox righty Jake Peavy has been linked to the A's, among many teams this week, though the asking price is still very high, and Oakland is unwilling to let go of Dan Straily and top prospect Addison Russell.