Valencia, battling leg tendinitis, returns to lineup

OAKLAND -- Danny Valencia returned to the A's lineup in Sunday's 8-3 win over the Rays, going 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.

A's manager Bob Melvin said Valencia has been battling tendinitis in his lower right leg. On Saturday, it seemed as though Valencia might be out several games, but on Sunday Melvin said it's simply something the club has to monitor going forward.

"It's still bothering me, but we treated it the whole day yesterday," Valencia said. "I still feel it, but it's definitely playable."

Valencia said he can't pinpoint a particular moment when the injury occurred. He said some days are better than others, and it was especially painful when the A's played the Dodgers on Tuesday.

He added he's never had problems with his right leg before and that the issue's been bothering him for the last seven to 10 days.

"Your health is most important," Valencia said. "There's no use going out there without knowing you can perform at a pretty good level."

Melvin said he was willing to have him serve as the designated hitter, but Valencia told him he could play third.

"It's always nice to have him in the lineup," Melvin said, "especially considering how productive he's been for us."