A's shuffle lineup for postseason rematch with Tigers

OAKLAND -- Detroit has ended the past two A's seasons in the American League Division Series with Game 5 victories at O.co Coliseum.

For the first time since they knocked out Oakland in the playoffs last year, the Tigers returned to the A's home ballpark Monday to begin a highly anticipated four-game series.

"We're very good at taking it day to day and just dealing with the team that we have to deal with," A's manager Bob Melvin said "But there is some history there. I think across the board, whether its fan interest or whatever, there's probably a little bit more to this series."

With his team riding a four-game losing streak, Melvin shook up the order by putting catcher Derek Norris in the No. 2 hole while dropping Jed Lowrie to fifth. Meanwhile, Josh Reddick sat for the second straight game with southpaw Drew Smyly on the mound, and Brandon Moss, who opened the scoring with a second-inning homer, was the team's only lefty in the lineup.

"You know what, when you're not scoring some runs, sometimes you try to change the scenery a little bit," Melvin said. "It's nothing more than that."