MILWAUKEE -- A's left-hander Rich Hill is on track to return to the mound this weekend for a start against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Hill, who has been shelved with a groin strain, will first throw a bullpen session in Milwaukee on Wednesday, according to manager Bob Melvin. If all goes well, Hill is penciled in for Saturday's start, though the A's could also opt to give him an extra day and pitch him on Sunday, with right-hander Kendall Graveman able to go either day.
Hill last pitched on May 29, picking up his team-leading eighth victory while lowering his ERA to 2.25, which ranks second in the American League only to Danny Salazar (2.24).
Hill's expected return coincides with Sonny Gray's arrival off the disabled list after recovering from a right trapezius injury, leaving the A's optimistic that their starting pitching woes will soon subside.
Gray, who limited the Astros to one run in five innings after being activated from the DL on Sunday, will next start on Friday in Cincinnati.
Worth noting
• Right-hander Henderson Alvarez (shoulder) was scheduled for a two-inning simulated game in the Bay Area on Tuesday, while righty Liam Hendriks (triceps) was set to pitch one inning for Class A Advanced Stockton in his first rehab outing.