Jaso back in lineup as A's get boost in health

OAKLAND -- The A's are healthier than they've been in days.

Catcher John Jaso was back in the lineup at catcher on Tuesday after missing a handful of games with back tightness, while infielder Nick Punto (calf strain) was expected to be available off the bench for the second game of a four-game set against the Tigers.

That meant sitting Derek Norris, who had caught four straight games, including three on artificial turf.

Norris hit a grand slam in Monday's win and entered Tuesday batting .400 with runners in scoring position on the season. As hot as he's been, Jaso's been keeping pace, entering the night batting .327 with three homers and eight RBIs in 15 games in May.

Manager Bob Melvin said Norris will be back behind the plate Wednesday against righty Anibal Sanchez. Norris is batting .286 with two homers and a .400 on-base percentage in 63 at-bats against righties this year after hitting .149 with no home runs when facing them in 135 trips to the plate last season.