CHICAGO -- A's shortstop Marcus Semien is prepared to leave the team at a moment's notice for the birth of his first child. Until that time comes, though, he'll do what he always does: play.
Semien played in his 124th consecutive game Friday, the longest streak by an A's player since third baseman Eric Chavez played in 123 straight to start the 2005 season. It's also the second-longest active streak in the Majors to Alcides Escobar's 130.
"It doesn't surprise me, and he never looks tired," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He comes out and takes his early work every day, physically he's in great shape, gets his rest, eats right.
"It's impressive. I've seen guys play and play and play, a lot of times out of necessity, and they look run down some, but he never does."

Miguel Tejada owns the A's record for most games played with a remarkable 594-game streak from June 2, 2000, to Sept. 28, 2003. Semien's tireless work ethic suggests he's capable at a similar run following his impending stint on the paternity leave list.
His wife, Tarah, is due Saturday.
"I prepare to play every day, and I know that in the middle infield, you want to be durable, you want to be out there every day," Semien said. "It's an important position out there, and I just try to prepare, whether it's in the weight room, stretching, to make sure I'm healthy first. I'm feeling great. Yeah, there have been ups and downs, but a lot of learning and just trying to get better."
Semien, the only Athletic to play in all 121 games this season, has totaled 23 home runs during that stretch while cutting down on errors in the field; he has 16 errors, after setting an Oakland record for a shortstop with 35 last year.
Semien consistently credits his everyday work with infield coach Ron Washington, who also played tutor to Chavez and Tejada, for his continued strides. The A's, in turn, have stuck with him.
"That's what Wash and I talked about last year," Semien said. "Let's help them trust me more to make sure that they feel confident in me out there at shortstop every day. There was a point last year where I was taking it pretty hard and I was getting subbed out for defensive reasons, and I just wanted to get out of that. When you play every day, you learn that much quicker."
Worth noting
• Left-hander Sean Doolittle remains on track to return from the disabled list during the A's homestand next week. He struck out two in one inning Thursday in his second rehab outing with Triple-A Nashville and is slated to make his final appearance for the Sounds on Saturday.
• Melvin confirmed right-hander Jesse Hahn will come off the DL on Sunday to start the series finale in Chicago.
• Henderson Alvarez (shoulder) is scheduled for a 25-pitch bullpen session in Stockton on Saturday. Josh Phegley, rehabbing his right knee, will catch it.