A’s reliever John Axford shut down more than a week

A’s reliever John Axford shut down more than a week

The A’s were hoping to get John Axford back once he’s eligible to come off the 10-day disabled list on Wednesday, but that won’t happen.

Axford was instructed not to play catch for a week, at which time he’ll be reassessed.

The MRI results on his right shoulder showed a Grade 1 strain and no further damage, and manager Bob Melvin said, “We don’t think it’s too serious.”

Axford felt shoulder tightness when throwing a curve in the bullpen during Tuesday’s game.

Asked about staying clear of the DL his first eight years in the majors, Axford said, I take pride in that -- understanding my body and making sure when to do certain things, when not to, how to relay information to the staff and trainers so they know if I can pitch or can’t, when to get some work done with the trainer.

John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer.

Email: jshea@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnSheaHey

at Rangers

at Rangers

At Rangers

Sonny Gray (strained lat) was to fly with the team to Texas and throw a bullpen session Monday.

The A’s hope he’ll rejoin the rotation in late April.