Harden's rehab takes step forward

OAKLAND -- As Bob Geren was sitting in the dugout conducting his daily session with the media, the A's manager looked up and saw something that seemed to surprise him.

It was Rich Harden on the mound in the bullpen.

Harden's rehab from a back injury had been progressing rather quietly, but his first appearance on a mound on Wednesday put a spark to the process.

"This looks pretty good, sounds pretty good," Geren said after hearing the catcher's mitt pop from 200 feet away.

Harden threw 16 pitches, all fastballs. He said he is expecting to throw another light bullpen session on Friday in Seattle, and then a simulated game on Saturday.

When asked what steps could come after that, Harden said: "I'm just taking it one day at a time. I'm happy with the way today went. It felt good."

Geren said the plan outlined by the training staff didn't even go beyond Saturday's simulated game, but he conceded that "it's possible" the next step might be a minor-league rehab assignment.

If Harden were to pitch in the minors five days later and then pitch in the majors five days after that, he'd return to the A's rotation around May 6. That would be the best-case scenario, though.

A'S CLAIM DAVIS

The A's claimed Rajai Davis, who had been released by the Giants.

Davis was scheduled to arrive in Oakland late Wednesday and be in uniform for today's game.

Assistant general manager David Forst said there are no firm plans for exactly how the A's would use the speedy outfielder.

"We've liked Rajai for a while since before the Giants traded for him (last July)," Forst said.

"It's a kind of dynamic player we haven't really had in our system, a guy who can impact the game on the basepaths."

Davis has exceptional speed, but his problem with the Giants was getting to first base. He had one hit in 18 at-bats. The A's could use him for defense at any of the outfield spots or he could pinch-run. The A's might also see him as insurance in case Travis Buck goes on the disabled list.

Buck missed his fourth consecutive game because of shin splints.

BRIEFLY

In order to make room for Davis, the A's designated Kirk Saarloos for assignment. Geren said he's hoping that Saarloos will clear waivers and come back to the organization.

Geren officially announced Justin Duchscherer as the starter for Saturday's game in Seattle.

Dallas Braden is the likely pitcher to lose his roster spot when Duchscherer is activated.

You can reach Staff Writer Jeff Fletcher at 521-5489 or jeff.fletcher@pressdemocrat.com.