OAKLAND -- A's infielder Eric Sogard is expected to undergo left knee surgery, which would likely preclude him from game action until the second half of the season.
Manager Bob Melvin said Sogard is getting a second opinion on his knee, but confirmed the probability of surgery next week to remove loose bodies in the area is high.
"I know it bothered him this spring and it's popped up a few times to where we've had to shut him down," Melvin said.
Sogard has been on the disabled list since the beginning of the season, but because of a neck strain that's since alleviated. The knee discomfort, present at times last year, worsened in his most recent rehab game with Class A Advanced Stockton on Wednesday.
Sogard, 29, played in 120 games for the A's last season, mostly at second base, and hit .247/.294/.304.
Alvarez close to rehab assignment
Right-hander Henderson Alvarez (shoulder surgery) is on tap for a bullpen session on Sunday before beginning a Minor League rehab assignment, Melvin said on Saturday.
Alvarez remains on track to join the A's rotation in late May.