Jaso misses second straight game with hand injury

SEATTLE -- A left palm abrasion kept catcher John Jaso out of the A's starting lineup for a second straight day, though he was considered to be available off the bench if absolutely necessary.

"Between [the two catchers], I think it probably equates to having one and a half right now," manager Bob Melvin said. "But if he had to go back there, he could, even if I had to pick him up and carry him back there."

Jaso, who suffered the injury while sliding in Texas on Thursday, was a late scratch from Friday's game after experiencing significant pain in the hand while attempting to take batting practice. It wasn't any better Saturday, when Derek Norris received another start behind the plate.

"I don't know what kind of time it's going to take," Jaso said, "but I definitely can't swing. It hurts way too bad."

The timing of the injury is unfortunate for Jaso, who has reached base safely in 18 of his last 19 games, going 20-for-58 with 13 walks over that span for a .466 on-base percentage.

"Whenever you lose a hot bat, a guy that's on base all the time," Melvin said, "it does affect things some."