CHICAGO -- The A's plan to extend Sean Doolittle's rehab assignment this week, postponing the left-hander's return from the disabled list.
Doolittle was tentatively scheduled to rejoin the A's on their next homestand -- a short stay of three games against the Indians beginning Monday -- following his latest rehab outing. But a candid Doolittle, who allowed one hit, a home run, and struck out two in one inning with Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, isn't quite ready.
"He's going to stay a bit longer," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He just doesn't feel like it's coming out of his hand the way he would like, and we're not in a rush with him.
"Usually it's the other way around where guys are itching to get back here no matter how they feel, and he's got a pretty good idea of when he's at a point where he feels he can contribute, and right now he doesn't feel that way, and I appreciate his honesty."
Doolittle, slowed by a left shoulder injury since the end of June, has made three rehab appearances with Nashville to this point. Melvin said he'll pitch in another game for the Sounds in the next few days.
The lefty has a 2.93 ERA in 35 outings for the A's this season, after pitching in only 12 contests during a 2015 season that was interrupted by two separate shoulder injuries.
Worth Noting
• Designated hitter Billy Butler remained unavailable for a second straight day Sunday because of a stomach illness.
• Right-hander Henderson Alvarez (right shoulder) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday featuring fastballs and changeups, marking another significant step for the rehabbing pitcher. The A's remain hopeful Alvarez can make his A's debut by season's end, likely out of the bullpen.