Marisnick to get a couple of days to deal with leg soreness

OAKLAND -- Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick was scratched from Friday night's lineup against the A's and is expected to sit out Saturday's contest as he deals with leg soreness.

"It's a bummer when you can't write his name in the lineup for his offense and for his defense," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "Unfortunately, he had a little soreness. He went first-to-third in the ninth inning in Seattle [on Wednesday] and came out of it a little bit sore. He kicked and screamed a little bit, wanting to play, but we're going to err on the side of caution just to make sure."

The 24-year-old has been Houston's hottest hitter to begin the season, entering Friday's matchup with a team-high .350 batting average and .400 on-base percentage while showing off his range in center field.

Marisnick appeared in the first lineup shared by the Astros on Friday, batting ninth and playing center field. But he was replaced by Robbie Grossman, who took his spot in the order as the left fielder, while Colby Rasmus moved to center.

"I like George [Springer] in right field," Hinch said. "Rather than move multiple people all around, you can get some consistency out there. George has really adapted well to right field. Colby's obviously played six years in center field, so there's more experience there."

Hinch said he had already planned on giving Marisnick a day off Saturday, but that the outfielder could be used as a pinch-hitter Friday if needed.

"I think in his eyes, he's very available," Hinch said. "For us, the level of risk we're willing to take is low with him. We have another capable person in Robbie Grossman."

Worth noting

• Hinch is always happy to return to the Coliseum, where he made his debut with the A's on Opening Day in 1998. He recorded his first big league hit three days later against Yankees starter David Cone at the stadium.

"There's a fraternity of sorts of those of us who have worn the white shoes," Hinch said. "It's always fun to come back."