--RHP Brad Ziegler was at the ballpark for the first time in four days after contracting a severe case of the flu. Ziegler, who said he was never concerned he had swine flu, lost eight pounds and he said he required two sessions of IV fluids on Friday. He has not pitched since April 25 but he is expected to be available on Monday against the Angels.
--RHP Andrew Bailey could be an option to close games soon, according to manager Bob Geren. Bailey, who never had pitched above Class AA before this season and who has been in relief only since the middle of last year, has three wins and he leads AL relievers with 20 strikeouts. --LHP Gio Gonzalez was recalled from Class AAA Sacramento on Saturday and he will pitch out of the bullpen, at least initially. Gonzalez, who had a 2.12 ERA at Sacramento, had brief stints in Oakland's rotation and bullpen last year. He could be an option for the rotation if Dana Eveland or Josh Outman continue to struggle.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2.61 -- The A's bullpen ERA, the best mark in the majors entering Sunday. Opponents were batting .188 against Oakland relievers, which was also the lowest mark in the majors.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The guy is a great athlete. He's 6-foot-5, Greek physique, an all-state basketball player in high school." -- A's starter Dallas Braden, on OF Ryan Sweeney, who went over the wall in Texas to rob Ian Kinsler of a home run.
