Rehabbing Anderson eyes another sim game

OAKLAND -- Rehabbing lefty Brett Anderson, fresh off two simulated innings of live batting practice Friday, will do the same on Tuesday. Except he'll pitch without a screen that day, and he'll do so in Stockton, Calif., home of Oakland's Class A affiliate.

There was thought that a rehab assignment was next for Anderson, but the A's are being extremely cautious with their Opening Day starter, who hasn't pitched since April because of a stress fracture in his right foot.

"We want to make sure each time his foot feels OK," manager Bob Melvin said.

It seems likely that a rehab start could come after Tuesday's simulated game, and if Anderson continues progressing without any setbacks, he should be able to return around the same time he did last year from Tommy John surgery (Aug. 21) or earlier. He's already up to 60 pitches.