Olson has cast removed; return still a ways off

OAKLAND -- Matt Olson's stitches and cast have been removed from his surgically repaired right hand, though the A's first baseman still is expected to require a gradual recovery, manager Bob Melvin indicated Tuesday.

Olson, a 2018 Gold Glove Award winner, is projected to resume regular baseball-related activities in five to seven weeks.

Olson's stitches were removed on Monday, a sight that caused Melvin to say, "Ugh." But, Melvin added, "That's kind of the first step in the right direction for him. We certainly don't want to rush that thing."

Melvin said Olson soon will begin strengthening exercises for his hand, which required removal of the hamate bone, and he will be able to stand in an imaginary batter's box and track pitches when pitchers throw in the bullpen.

Hundley's savvy touted by Melvin

Catcher Nick Hundley emerged as the A's unsung hero in Monday night's play that featured center fielder Ramón Laureano throwing out the Red Sox's Xander Bogaerts at the plate.

Standing at the upper edge of home plate, Hundley was able to avoid a collision and tag Bogaerts without blocking the plate.

"Nick's a veteran guy who has kind of learned the rule after years of probably standing right in front of home plate," Melvin said. "If you let the ball travel like he did, you have a chance of getting [the baserunner]. If you go get that ball, you probably don't get him. It was as close a play as you possibly could have. It was a great play on both ends. Certainly the throw was one you don't see very often."