Athletics' John Axford: Could be activated during homestand

Axford (shoulder) could be activated from the 10-day disabled list during the Athletics' upcoming six-game homestand, which kicks off Thursday against the Red Sox, the Associated Press reports.

Before being activated by the Athletics, Axford is expected to pitch in at least one more game for Triple-A Nashville after he kicked off his rehab assignment Saturday with a scoreless inning. The Oakland bullpen ranks 23rd in the majors with a 4.73 ERA this season, so Axford could be thrust into a prominent role in front of closer Santiago Casilla once he's deemed ready to go.