Callaspo's pace at plate keeps him in lineup

SEATTLE -- Alberto Callaspo was in the starting lineup for a sixth straight game Sunday, a nod to the versatile switch-hitter's continued production.

Callaspo played in just two of the club's first six games but has been part of every one since, reaching base in each of them and going 8-for-20 with two walks and two RBIs in that time. Overall, he was 10-for-25 (.400) with a .483 on-base percentage entering Sunday's series finale against the Mariners.

He made the start in Seattle at third base, allowing the A's to rest Josh Donaldson's legs as the designated hitter.

"It's easy to give JD a DH day when you know you can run Callaspo over there," manager Bob Melvin said. "It's tough to get him out of the lineup because he is swinging the bat so well, not that I want to. We have some lefties coming up, too, so it's nice to be able to give him some consistent at-bats and ride the hot hand."

The A's have faced just two left-handed starters in their first 12 games but will be up against two in the next three days in Anaheim. That means Callaspo is likely to draw at least one start at first base in the series.