Freiman's availability impacts A's playoff roster

ANAHEIM -- Nate Freiman is one step closer to returning from an abdominal strain, though the infielder's setback doesn't bode well for his chances of earning a spot on the A's postseason roster.

That's why catcher Derek Norris has been instructed to take grounders at first base.

"I hope he doesn't have to factor into that position," manager Bob Melvin said on Tuesday. "It was just based on the fact that Nate is not active for us right now. Just having someone else take some ground balls."

Freiman, meanwhile, took part in tee work and soft toss on Tuesday afternoon, and he could potentially take batting practice inside the cages in the next few days. Whether he gets into a game before Sunday's regular-season finale is unknown, and if he's left off the postseason roster, the A's could very well end up taking three catchers.

Beyond that, Melvin isn't revealing anything about his roster for the American League Division Series. When asked if he could on Tuesday, the A's manager smiled and said, "Brandon Moss will be on the postseason roster."