ARLINGTON -- As the A's continue to monitor the progress of injured ace Sonny Gray, they're also examining the best way to proceed with their current crop of starters.
Gray (lat strain) is scheduled to throw an extended bullpen session on Monday, which is expected to be his final throwing exercise without hitters involved. Barring any setbacks, the right-hander should be back in the rotation by the end of the month -- a mighty addition for this group.
Already, the A's are at least considering a tweak to their rotation next week, with Tuesday's off-day in Kansas City providing flexibility for any maneuverings. A's manager Bob Melvin was mum on the topic Saturday, only saying, "We're still looking at some things."
This comes just one day after No. 5 starter Raul Alcantara was rocked for eight runs in two innings against the host Rangers, a forgettable outing that included two home runs -- one of them a grand slam to Nomar Mazara. Right-hander Jesse Hahn came to the rescue with six strong innings in the loss, perhaps opening eyes in a front office that opted to leave him out of the Opening Day rotation.
"For him, going out there and performing well, and in what was difficult conditions to pitch in last night, because the ball was flying pretty good, I think that probably goes a long way for his confidence," Melvin said. "In spring, he had some tough outings, and the last year has been difficult for him, consistency-wise."
Hahn, who limited Texas to two runs in his time on the mound, won't be available for several days. Alcantara, meanwhile, could be skipped with the off-day, or at least pushed back.
For now, he's listed as the starter for Thursday's series finale against the Royals, with Jharel Cotton and Andrew Triggs pitching the first two games.
"We'll see," Melvin said.
Chapman suffers wrist sprain
Third baseman Matt Chapman, ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the A's No. 4 prospect, has been diagnosed with a wrist sprain and will be reevaluated in Nashville on Monday, the team announced.
Chapman, who missed much of the 2015 season with a wrist injury, struck out in his only two at-bats for Triple-A Nashville on Friday before exiting the game early. He had six strikeouts in his first seven at-bats to begin the season.
Worth noting
• A's third baseman Trevor Plouffe was a late scratch from Saturday's lineup in Texas because of an illness, the team announced. Ryon Healy, originally slated to start at designated hitter in the game, took his place at third, with Mark Canha assigned to take over DH duties.
• Right-hander Chris Bassitt (Tommy John surgery) is on tap to throw a pair of 15-pitch innings to hitters in a simulated setting in Stockton on Sunday. The A's hope to have him pitching in Minor League rehab games in May.