Athletics' Paul Blackburn: Live BP completed Wednesday

Blackburn (foot) threw live batting practice before Wednesday's game against the Angels, the Associated Press reports.

The right-hander has now completed two bullpen sessions and Wednesday's live batting practice in the last eight days, meaning his rehab program has started to pick up the pace. Manager Mark Kotsay previously stated Blackburn would head out on a rehab assignment if there were no residual effects from Wednesday's activity, and the coming days should confirm whether that's still the plan of action.