Athletics manager Bob Melvin told Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that Luzardo (finger) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday.
Luzardo is ready to take the next step forward in his recovery program for his fractured left pinkie finger after he used his full repertoire during a 50-pitch bullpen session Sunday, according to Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News reports. The southpaw could be cleared to push his pitch count up to the 60-to-75 range in the rehab start, which could be the only one he needs before the Athletics activate him from the 10-day injured list. Manager Bob Melvin noted the team may elect to bring Luzardo back in a relief role while he gets stretched out, which would eliminate the need for multiple rehab starts, per Jessica Kleinschmidt of NBC Sports Bay Area. While the southpaw has been sidelined for the past three weeks, James Kaprielian has stepped into the rotation as Oakland's No. 5 starter.