Cespedes set for return to outfield Tuesday

SEATTLE -- Yoenis Cespedes' stint at designated hitter appears to be coming to an end, as the A's slugger is penciled in to start Tuesday's game against the host Mariners in the outfield.

Having needed a handful of weeks to nurse his strained left hamstring back to health, Cespedes missed nine of 10 games before making five straight appearances at DH, where he was used on Monday night. He will be in either left or center field for the second of a three-game set, depending on whether Coco Crisp gets a break from the latter spot.

Cespedes went 5-for-20 with one home run, one double and four RBIs in five games at DH, three of which the A's won, as they improved to 23-18 with him in the lineup, compared to 12-20 when he doesn't play.

"Sometimes he looked like he'd rather be out on the field and wanted to do more," manager Bob Melvin said. "For a guy who's used to being on the field, the time between at-bats when you're DH'ing can be a challenge, but I think he's been reasonably good at it."

Once back in the outfield, Cespedes will occasionally see action at DH, though Seth Smith and Jonny Gomes are likely to platoon there on most days.