Athletics manager Bob Geren said that Michael Wuertz is unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

No word on if the absence is related to his thumb injury, but he hasn't pitched since Saturday, so we're assuming that might have something to do with it. Craig Breslow will likely get the ball in a save situation.

Michael Wuertz (thumb) said he is available to pitch Friday against the Rangers.

That's a nice surprise. Wuertz is definitely in the mix for saves now that Andrew Bailey is done for the year, but Craig Breslow will also factor in.

Michael Wuertz (thumb) said he will attempt to play catch Friday.

Good to hear, but it doesn't sound like he'll be available to pitch against the Rangers on Friday night. Craig Breslow remains the best choice for saves here.

Michael Wuertz (thumb) is available for Thursday's game against the Rangers.

Wuertz is currently day-to-day with a swollen right thumb. Craig Breslow, who was rested Wednesday, should get the ball if a save opportunity is presented.

Michael Wuertz has been unavailable due to a sore thumb.

That explains why Craig Breslow has been seeing save opportunities in Andrew Bailey's (elbow) absence. Breslow should be owned in all fantasy formats down the stretch, even when Wuertz returns to full health.

Michael Wuertz, who has been out since September 3 due to a thumb injury, returned to action on Sunday.

Wuertz struck out two batters and allowed no Red Sox to reach base in the seventh. However, he was charged with an unearned run after allowing a leadoff single in the eighth and then departing the game.

Michael Wuertz (thumb) was available to pitch Saturday.

Wuertz hasn't pitched since September 3 due to tendinitis in his left thumb, but it sounds like he's over the ailment and ready to pitch.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that A's reliever Michael Wuertz is on the Red Sox's "wish list" as the trade deadline nears.

Wuertz is usually rock solid in the bullpen, but he's thrown up a 4.50 ERA and 1.41 WHIP this season in Oakland. Perhaps that will allow the Red Sox to swoop in and grab him on the cheap, and maybe he'll do well with a change of scenery. The 31-year-old had a 0.95 WHIP in 78-plus innings last year.

With Andrew Bailey in need of a day off, Michael Wuertz pitched a scoreless ninth Wednesday for his second save of the year.

Wuertz was ineffective initially after returning from a shoulder injury that cost him the first month, but he's allowed just one run in his last 12 appearances. He might draw some trade interest over the next 10 days.

Michael Wuertz -- and not Andrew Bailey -- was called upon to protect a 5-4 lead against the Twins on Sunday because Oakland wanted to give Bailey consecutive days off.

With a key series against the Angels coming up, manager Bob Geren decided to give Bailey another day off after he tossed three innings over the previous two games. The gamble paid off, as Wuertz struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to convert his first save of the season. It goes without saying, but Bailey has complete job security.

Athletics activated RHP Michael Wuertz from the 15-day disabled list.

As expected. Wuertz spun 7 2/3 scoreless innings during his rehab appearance, so he appears ready to go. The 31-year-old righty emerged as one of the game's elite set-up men last season, posting a 2.63 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 74 relief appearances, averaging 11.7 K/9. He remains an injury risk, but should make for a fine choice for strikeouts.

Michael Wuertz (shoulder) tossed 29 pitches over 1 2/3 scoreless innings on Friday in what is expected to be his final rehab appearance for Triple-A Sacramento.

He struck out one and walked none in the appearance. Wuertz now has 7 2/3 scoreless innings under his belt during his rehab stint, so Friday's outing should ensure his return from the disabled list on Monday.

Michael Wuertz (shoulder) is scheduled to make what could be his final rehab appearance for Triple-A Sacramento on Friday night.

Wuertz has already tossed six scoreless innings during his rehab. Athletics manager Bob Geren said the right-hander could be activated for the start of next week's homestand depending on how Friday's outing goes.

Michael Wuertz (shoulder) threw a scoreless rehab inning Wednesday evening for Single-A Stockton.

That makes five consecutive scoreless frames in the minor league ranks. The A's have surely seen enough to be convinced that he's healthy and should activate him from the disabled list before the weekend.

Michael Wuertz (shoulder) is scheduled to make a one-inning rehab appearance Wednesday night at the Single-A level.

Wuertz has strung together several consecutive rehab outings and should be just about ready to rejoin the A's. Look for him before the end of April.

Michael Wuertz (shoulder) is scheduled to pitch Sunday for Class A Stockton.

Wuertz will pitch Sunday and make at least one more rehab appearance before returning to the A's. The A's are currently carrying 13 pitchers, so one of them will need to be demoted when Wuertz is ready to return.

Michael Wuertz (shoulder) tossed a scoreless inning Wednesday during a rehab appearance at Triple-A Sacramento.

Wuertz walked two, but also struck out a batter in the frame. He now has three scoreless rehab appearances under his belt and should be back with the A's by the end of April. If not this weekend.

Michael Wuertz (shoulder) will make another one-inning rehab appearance with Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

There was a thought that Wuertz could be ready for the start of the series against the Yankees on Tuesday, but that's not the case. Wuertz already has two scoreless rehab appearances under his belt, so Wednesday's appearance should pave the way for his return.

Michael Wuertz threw a perfect inning in his first rehab outing at Triple-A Sacramento.

The A's bullpen hasn't been bad in Wuertz's absence, they've held opponents to a .191 BAA, but getting one of the league's premier setup men back can only help the squad. Wuertz is still expected to return before the end of April.

Michael Wuertz (shoulder) is scheduled to make a one-inning rehab appearance Friday at Triple-A Sacramento.

The A's will ask Wuertz to make at least two rehab outings before activating him from the disabled list. He's been out since the last week of spring training with shoulder tendinitis and expects to return before the end of April.