MESA, Ariz. -- A's manager Bob Melvin is expected to rejoin the team Sunday following the death of his mother, Judy, who passed away Friday evening.
A's bench coach Mark Kotsay, acting manager since Melvin's departure from Arizona, said Melvin made it back to the Bay Area in time to be by his mother's side. She was a longtime resident of Menlo Park, Calif.
"Bob was there, made it back and was able to be with her," Kotsay said. "It was important for him to be there, we all pushed him to get there, and we're thankful that he did get there and was able to be with her."
Kotsay said there were no details available yet regarding services.
Casilla set for spring debut
Veteran reliever Santiago Casilla, whose arrival in camp was delayed nearly three weeks because of visa issues, is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Sunday at Hohokam Stadium against the Cubs.
For Casilla, who reunited with the A's via a two-year, $11 million deal, it will be his first time pitching in green and gold since 2009.
Another key member of the A's bullpen, lefty Sean Doolittle, threw 20 pitches in a round of batting practice Saturday morning and is expected to see his first game action of the spring sometime next week.
Triggs works three-plus
Right-hander Andrew Triggs delivered 3 1/3 innings against a split-squad Rangers lineup on Saturday, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with one strikeout.
Three of the hits came in the first inning, including Drew Robinson's RBI single. Triggs successfully made an adjustment and proceeded to retire nine in a row, before Will Middlebrooks lifted a triple to center field that forced his exit.
"I liked my breaking balls my first two times out, but you have to have days like today where it's not your best and you gotta learn how to pitch off of other things and work those in," Triggs said. "I thought today was a good learning experience of making things work for you when they're not necessarily the best."
Triggs and Jesse Hahn are considered the leading candidates to fill out a Sonny Gray-less rotation on Opening Day, though the A's are also keeping Raul Alcantara and Daniel Gossett under consideration. Gray was diagnosed with a moderate lat strain on Thursday and will be shut down from throwing for at least three weeks.
"My goal is to be ready to make good pitches in April, wherever that may be," Triggs said.
Worth Noting
• Veteran relievers John Axford and Ryan Madson endured a tough day on the mound, allowing two runs apiece.
• 2016 second-round Draft pick Logan Shore, borrowed from Minor League camp on Saturday, struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the win against Texas in his first action with the A's.
"Fun to watch, right?" Kotsay said.