Norris rests as Suzuki paired with Milone

SEATTLE -- Rookie Derek Norris' first career home run, a memorable walkoff shot to beat the Giants on Sunday, wasn't enough to keep him in the lineup for Monday's series opener in Seattle, as manager Bob Melvin instead opted to start Kurt Suzuki.

The decision, Melvin explained, was mostly made to accommodate starter Tommy Milone, who has a 3.39 ERA in nine starts when paired with Suzuki. Norris will start Tuesday, with lefty Travis Blackley on the mound, and Melvin said the day's starter behind the plate moving forward likely will be dictated by who is on the mound.

"I think, more so now, that will be the case," he said. "We'll get them each some time. I think Suzuki's done a good job with Milone."

Norris, who started three of the first four games played by the A's since his callup, is 3-for-12, while Suzuki entered the day batting .216. More recently, he's hit .190 over his last 24 games, and his slugging percentage (.268) ranks last in the Majors, while his on-base percentage is second lowest.