CHICAGO -- Shortstop Elvis Andrus was reinstated from the paternity list prior to Tuesday's game with the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. Andrus’ return to the Oakland infield will give manager Bob Melvin the ability to better set his lineups.

“Having Elvis back, it makes things a little more in sync,” Melvin said.

Andrus was placed on the paternity list Aug. 14 to be with his wife, Cori, for the birth of their third child. In his absence, the A's relied primarily on Vimael Machín to take his place at shortstop, even though that’s not his primary position. Machín went 2-for-7 with a walk since being recalled Saturday and started each of the last three games at shortstop.

“It’s tough to get called up here to play a position you haven't been playing very often, even though he’s played it in the past,” Melvin said. “And then [he] has to do it at the big league level. I thought he did a nice job for us.”

Andrus returned to the A’s lineup against the White Sox on Tuesday, batting ninth. Melvin said Andrus’ biggest impact on the team is the difference he makes on defense. Without Andrus, Melvin had to get creative with his infield, even moving Tony Kemp -- who has never played shortstop in the Majors -- over from second base late in Sunday’s game against the Rangers.

“It certainly is nice to have Elvis back,” Melvin said. “He is the quarterback in the infield. His knowledge of how to play the infield, and his knowledge of the league and where to play hitters and so forth is really good. It’s nice to have him back.”

Andrus, who is batting .231 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in 113 games this season, has started 109 games at shortstop for the A’s this year.