Gentry expected to come off DL by end of week

MINNEAPOLIS -- Look for Craig Gentry to make his A's debut by the end of the week.

Oakland's outfielder, who didn't play a single Spring Training game after suffering a lower back strain on the second day of camp, could finally join the A's as soon as Thursday in Minnesota -- though perhaps just so he can fly with the team to Seattle.

Either way, Gentry is expected to be reinstated from the disabled list any day now.

He went 1-for-4 with a walk in a start in right field for Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday and is 4-for-8 with two runs in two games overall for the River Cats. He also played a game with Class A Stockton on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with a double.

"He's doing everything well, running the bases, swinging the bat," said manager Bob Melvin, "and eager on top of that."

The A's will face a tough roster decision upon Gentry's arrival, with outfielder Sam Fuld or first baseman Daric Barton expected to be taken off the roster. Oakland doesn't want to lose either of them, but both are out of options.