May 13, 2011A'S PAGEA'S VIDEO
Paul Gutierrez
CSNCalifornia.com
OAKLAND -- A's closer Andrew Bailey is headed to Arizona for a "rehab stint" with the A's minor league extended spring training team and will pitch Saturday in Phoenix. He will throw one inning, perhaps as many as 30 pitches, according to A's manager Bob Geren.
"It's as close to a real game as you can get," Geren said. "It's a somewhat controlled environment.
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"It's a stepping stone from a simulated game."
On the disabled list with a forearm strain since spring training, Bailey threw around 30 pitches in a simulated game in Texas on May 10.
Bailey had a breakout rookie season in 2009, saving 26 games with a 1.84 ERA on his way to the A.L. Rookie of the Year award. The two-time All-Star earned 25 saves in 28 opportunities in 2010 before an injury cut his season short after 47 appearances.