Oakland A's injury update: Mark Canha, Stephen Vogt close to full returns

At this point last year in spring training, Sean Doolittle was already going to be missing the first few months of the season, it was looking likely that Josh Reddick was going to miss Opening Day, and Coco Crisp's elbow injuries were a precursor to a longer term trip to the disabled list.

This year, all three appear to be in tip-top shape (knock on wood), and the only major league player expected to start the year injured is Henderson Alvarez; even he is expected back earlier than the front office's June estimate.

Mark Canha

First baseman/outfielder Mark Canha will run the bases today, which Susan Slusser tweets is the "last real step before getting into a game."

Stephen Vogt

Catcher Stephen Vogt was at designated hitter again for Wednesday's start against the Chicago White Sox. He "will test his elbow by throwing to bases today," tweets John Hickey, which is "the last step before being able to catch in a game."

Henderson Alvarez

It's all fastballs in bullpen now for #Athletics Henderson Alvarez on way back from shoulder surgery. "I'm happy with the way it's going."

— John Hickey (@JHickey3) March 9, 2016

AL west injury report

Let's do a quick overview of AL West players going through the bumps and bruises of spring training and offseason injuries.

Texas Rangers

• Josh Hamilton is out until early May with knee issues.
• Starting pitcher Yu Darvish had Tommy John surgery in spring training last year, but recently threw a 15-pitch bullpen session off the mound with his catcher behind the plate. He's set to return in mid-May.
• The Rangers sent Prince Fielder to Texas to take a sleep study after having trouble sleeping.
• Reliever Tanner Scheppers tore cartilage in his left knee, and he'll be out the first half of the season.

Houston Astros

• Designated hitter Evan Gattis had sports hernia surgery in February, and he's recently taken multiple swings in the batting cage. The Astros still have designs on making him a catcher, again. He was originally thought to be out until at least Opening Day, but there are some hopes he could return in time for the start of the regular season.
• Reliever Luke Gregerson is recovering from a strained oblique, but should return to games soon.

Los Angeles Angels

• Starting pitcher C.J. Wilson is still recovering from shoulder tendinitis, but he might miss his first turn in the rotation. Wilson threw a bullpen today, but appears to be far away from returning.
• First baseman Albert Pujols made his Cactus League debut on March 6 after initial concerns that November surgery for plantar fasciitis would keep him out of the early part of the regular season. He'll be ready to go for Opening Day.
• Reliever Tyler Skaggs is recovering from August 2014 Tommy John surgery and threw a bullpen on March 7. He'll probably start 2016 in Triple-A anyway.
• Technically not an injury, but: 
  

Seattle Mariners

• Catcher Jesus Sucre suffered a broken leg in winter ball and it's doubtful he'll be able to play in 2016.
• Reliever Charlie Furbush, who had a slight rotator cuff tear at the end of 2015, threw a live bullpen session at 90 percent effort on March 7. He should be ready for Opening Day.
• Both former A's relievers Ryan Cook and Evan Scribner have lat strains that will put them on the disabled list to start the year.