"Brett Anderson downplayed it Saturday, but he takes a big step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery on Monday, when he will throw his first bullpen session since the July 14 procedure.

Initial estimates pointed to a late July return for Anderson if he progressed as hoped, but the A's do not want the left-hander to rush his rehab, so they are now looking at August for Anderson to resume his spot in the rotation.

Anderson has lost roughly 25 pounds since the surgery, saying that at one point he had lost almost too much and felt "frail." He plans to stay at about 225 pounds, believing it will benefit his stamina and could make him more agile.

"I'll probably get to first base quicker, maybe not fall down as much," Anderson said.

Also Monday, Dallas Braden will throw his fourth bullpen since his May 17 shoulder surgery. The A's can go with four starters until April 16, and Braden is expected back around that time, though manager Bob Melvin said "mid-April to early May" on Saturday."