Axford gave up an earned run on four walks over one inning in Monday's 7-2 loss to the White Sox. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reliever had plenty of trouble finding the plate, working up to 33 pitches in his sole inning of work and allowing a run by issuing a bases-loaded walk to Adam Engel. Axford has been inconsistent over his last several outings, giving up an earned run in three straight and seven runs overall in his last nine trips to the mound. Location has been a recurring issue as well, as he's now issued 14 walks in 19.2 innings this season.

Axford gave up a solo home run and issued a walk over an inning in Monday's 4-1 loss to the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reliever yielded a 385-foot shot to George Springer in the eighth, the second homer he's surrendered over his last two appearances. Axford has given up four earned runs over his last three trips to the mound and has had a rough June overall, as evidenced by the 6.23 ERA he's compiled across 8.2 innings.

Axford was credited with his first hold in Monday's 5-3 win over the Blue Jays, firing a scoreless seventh inning in which he gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

The 34-year-old appears to be settling in after getting a late start to his season due to a shoulder injury and then allowing a total of seven runs (six earned) in his first five outings. Axford has turned in scoreless one-inning efforts in his last two trips to the mound, bringing his ERA down from 11.57 to 8.10 in the process. The veteran right-hander figures to continue receiving consistent use, given his track record and experience as a sixth-and-seventh-inning option.

Axford gave up two earned runs on two hits and two walks over an inning in Sunday's 9-5 loss to the Yankees. He also recorded a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reliever has gotten frequent use since making his 2017 debut on May 21, already having worked 4.1 innings across four appearances. It hasn't exactly been smooth either, as Axford has now given up at least one earned run in three of those outings and allowed seven hits and four earned runs overall. His ERA and WHIP now stand at unsightly 8.31 and 2.08, respectively, but manager Bob Melvin figures to continue giving the 34-year-old righty regular opportunities to work through his early struggles.

Axford (shoulder) gave up an earned run on a hit over one inning in Sunday's 12-3 loss to the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Axford finally made his 2017 debut, giving up an RBI groundout to Deven Marrero over his one inning. The veteran right-hander displayed solid control, firing 16 of 23 pitches for strikes. A healthy and effective Axford would be an excellent addition to Oakland's relief corps, considering he turned in 15 holds over 68 appearances in his first Athletics season in 2016.

Axford was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The reliever has been out since early April with a shoulder strain, but progressed steadily through three rehab appearances and appears ready to get back to regular action. Axford will likely be eased into a late-inning setup man role after posting a sluggish 3.97 ERA over 68 appearances last season, though could make a push for a bigger role with some strong performances. Preferred closer Santiago Casilla has already blown two saves while racking up a 4.96 ERA over 17 appearances.

Axford (shoulder) will be activated Saturday or Sunday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Axford has been solid in three rehab appearances over the course of the week, so now it just comes down to when it will be convenient for the Athletics to make the roster move to get him back to the majors. They may choose to give Axford a couple days to rest before activation, so don't be surprised if they wait until Sunday to officially activate the reliever.

Axford (shoulder) fired a scoreless inning for Triple-A Nashville in Thursday's 13-3 win over Fresno, recording a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

Axford has looked excellent in three rehab appearances, giving up just two hits over 3.1 scoreless innings across three appearances while notching four strikeouts. The 34-year-old is slated to return to the big-league club over the weekend, and while that remains to officially be confirmed, he certainly appears to be on the right track if his performances with the Sounds are any indication.

Axford (shoulder) is scheduled to appear in two more minor-league rehab games before the Athletics consider activating him from the disabled list, Joe Stiglich of NBC Sports California reports.

EDGE Analysis

Axford's Triple-A rehab appearances are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday. If he's able to breeze through those with no setbacks, it's conceivable that the hurler will be able to rejoin the Athletics' bullpen as soon as this weekend.

Axford (shoulder) will make his next rehab appearance with Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reliever enjoyed a successful first appearance Saturday, and if all goes well with Tuesday's outing, he could rejoin the A's on Thursday. Axford was a workhorse in his first Oakland season in 2016, firing 65.2 innings over 68 appearances while notching six victories, 15 holds and three saves. His presence could certainly be a welcome addition to a bullpen that's struggled as of late, blowing saves in three consecutive games for the first time since 2004.