Ryan Cook (shoulder) could throw a bullpen session before the end of the week. "We're getting close," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, but yes, potentially this week." Melvin added that Cook has "felt great for a while," but the club obviously wants to proceed cautiously with their setup man. He still has plenty of time to be ready for Opening Day.

Ryan Cook (shoulder) has scaled his throwing back from 105 feet to 90 feet, but has increased his velocity as he works has way back from stiffness in his right shoulder. Cook admittedly isn't worried about the shoulder inflammation, and shouldn't have any trouble getting himself ready and in game shape in time for Opening Day. He'll be one of many quality setup men available in the A's bullpen to get the ball to closer Jim Johnson.

Ryan Cook indicated Saturday that he isn't worried at all about the inflammation in his right shoulder. Cook was expected to be shut down for a week or two to correct the issue, but he is reportedly already throwing again at a distance of 75 feet. He should have no difficulty getting himself ready in time for Opening Day.

Ryan Cook will be shut down for the next week or two due to right shoulder inflammation. A's manager Bob Melvin thinks the reliever will still have time to get ready by Opening Day, but we'll just have to see how he progresses. The good news is that it doesn't appear to be serious, and Oakland has the depth to withstand losing Cook for a little while if that's what it comes to.

Ryan Cook recorded the final four outs in a 4-3 game for a save as the A's edged the Astros 4-3 on Wednesday. Grant Balfour had the day off after his rocky outing last night, allowing Cook to pick up his second save of the year. Cook has allowed just an unearned run over 10 2/3 innings in his last 10 appearances, picking up two wins in the span. His ERA is down to 2.25.

Ryan Cook earned his first save of the season on Sunday against the Royals. With both Grant Balfour and Sean Doolittle unavailable, Cook came out to close the ninth inning. Balfour has converted his last 26 saves, so he isn't in danger of losing his job.

A's manager Bob Melvin said Saturday that Ryan Cook's next two appearances will not be save chances. Melvin made sure to state that Cook has not lost the ninth-inning job. Rather, Melvin wants the young right-hander to get a couple clean innings in less high-pressure situations. Look for Grant Balfour to handle save opportunities in the immediate future for Oakland. He's a decent add in mixed fantasy leagues.

Ryan Cook recorded his 12th save despite giving up two runs in the ninth Wednesday against the Angels. It's probably time the A's to go back to Grant Balfour in the closer's role. Cook managed to finish off the Angels tonight, but it's the sixth time in eight appearances that he's given up at least one run. He's blown four saves during that span.

Athletics manager Bob Melvin failed to give Ryan Cook a vote of confidence when asked about his closer situation Sunday, saying "we'll continue to monitor that." Cook has blown four of his last six save chances and has watched his ERA go from 1.34 to 2.47 over his last seven appearances. He's still probably the team's best option for the role, but it might not be a bad idea to give him a breather. Grant Balfour would figure to be used in the ninth inning if Melvin makes a change.

Ryan Cook blew his fourth save in his last six chances on Saturday against the Blue Jays, allowing a solo home run to David Cooper in the ninth inning. Cook was called upon to pitch for a third consecutive game, and was unable to preserve a critical lead for the A's. The only other time he pitched three straight games this season, he also blew a save opportunity. Given Cook's recent struggles, it wouldn't be shocking to see Grant Balfour get another opportunity in the stopper role.