Oakland A’s Paul Blackburn, Ross Stripling nearing return from injured list

OAKLAND — The Oakland A’s rotation has been a rotating cast of characters for most of the season due to injuries, but they’re slated to get two veteran starters back in the next week or so.

Manager Mark Kotsay said before Monday’s game against the Houston Astros that veteran right-handers Paul Blackburn and Ross Stripling, who have both been out since May, could return from the injured list this week.

“It’s always great to get veteran guys back … that have led a rotation in the past,” Kotsay said.