Gentry steps in for Crisp, who has tight hamstring

ANAHEIM -- Craig Gentry started in center field Monday night for the A's in place of Coco Crisp, a switch that was planned Sunday after Crisp experienced left hamstring tightness in Seattle.

"It's a little tight," manager Bob Melvin said of Crisp's hamstring before the series opener at Angel Stadium. "He is going to take BP and run around a little. He's literally day to day, at this point."

Crisp just returned to action Friday after missing three games at Minnesota because of a wrist injury.

"He felt a lot better yesterday [on that count]," the manager said. "If he takes a good BP today, I think we're clear of that."

As for Gentry leading off, Melvin said, "On this team, whoever plays center field," noting that's Crisp role, and one filled by Sam Fuld before he was designated for assignment.

Gentry, a former Ranger, "has been a guy who's done well against left-handed pitchers," and him leading off "is based on what he does on the basepaths."