Cook close to testing shoulder on mound

PHOENIX -- Slowed this spring by right shoulder inflammation, A's reliever Ryan Cook is on track to throw a bullpen session soon, possibly by the end of the week.

"We're getting close," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, but yes, potentially this week."

Cook has been throwing long toss recently to help build arm strength and has reported no pain. He threw from 105 feet Monday.

"He's felt great for a while," Melvin said. "He's a pretty important guy for us, so we don't want to get him out there too early, and since he's a reliever, it won't take as long. So it's looking good."

In 2013, Cook appeared in 71 games for the A's, compiling a 2.54 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings.