KANSAS CITY -- A's manager Bob Melvin gave several injury updates before Friday's series opener against the Royals.
Infielder Marcus Semien was reinstated from the paternity list a day earlier than expected, but he was not anticipated to arrive at Kauffman Stadium early enough to be in the starting lineup. In a corresponding roster move, the club optioned infielder Franklin Barreto to Triple-A Nashville.
"He'll be here for the start of the game," Melvin said of Semien. "I don't have him in the lineup because that would've been a little bit too much of a rush. But certainly we'll have him [available] off the bench."
Semien was placed on the paternity list on Wednesday following the birth of his second son, Joshua, with wife Tarah.
Injury updates
• Paul Blackburn will be extended to 75 pitches in his next rehab appearance for Class A Advanced Stockton on Tuesday. Melvin said Blackburn is "on his way" to returning to the Major League club after being transferred to the 60-day disabled list on April 5.
• Brett Anderson, who was placed on the 10-day DL with a left shoulder strain on May 19, will play catch for the first time Saturday.
• Relievers Santiago Casilla and Ryan Buchter are scheduled to throw bullpen sessions on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Casilla has only been out a week, while Buchter has been battling a left shoulder strain since April 26. Liam Hendriks will throw a relief session with Nashville on Saturday.
• Outfielder Boog Powell, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list on April 8, will work out this week in Arizona. Melvin said Powell will be getting at-bats, doing baserunning drills and more "controlled-type" activities.