Mujica hopes to return in series vs. Giants
A's reliever sidelined since Sept. 13 with hamstring strain
OAKLAND -- Athletics reliever Edward Mujica, who has been nursing a right hamstring strain for nearly two weeks, could return this weekend against the San Francisco Giants, manager Bob Melvin said Friday.
Mujica injured his hamstring against the Texas Rangers on Sept. 13 while trying to cover first base. The Rangers' Mitch Moreland pulled a grounder to first baseman Mark Canha, who bobbled the ball and flipped to Mujica. As the pitcher caught the ball and hit the bag with his foot, he was in noticeable pain and immediately reached for his hamstring.
Melvin said Mujica has made considerable progress.
"There's a chance [he plays Saturday]," Melvin said. "I think we were more targeting once we got to Anaheim, but I know he's feeling pretty good today and I know he wants to pitch [against the Giants]. We'll see how he feels tomorrow."
Mujica, who began the season with the Boston Red Sox, came over in a trade on May 9, and has gone 2-3 with a 4.45 ERA in 30 1/3 innings for Oakland in 2015.
Worth noting
• Stephen Vogt started at catcher Friday night for the first time since returning to the lineup on Sept. 20. Vogt missed 12 games after being hit by a foul tip on his groin. Vogt has started at designated hitter and first base since returning.