OAKLAND -- The final verdict on whether Khris Davis will come off the 10-day injured list when eligible on Saturday will be a game-time decision.
The A’s are using Davis’ participation in batting practice before Friday’s game against the Astros as a barometer for the slugger's status. He sustained a left hip/oblique contusion when he ran into the railing in left-field foul ground at PNC Park on May 5.
“Whether or not he comes off tomorrow, I’m not sure,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “Today will give us a little insight as to where he is on the field.”
Davis appeared to be pain-free as he took part in four rounds of batting practice at the Coliseum. In his final round, Davis took five swings, and all left the yard for homers either to center or left field. It was a good sign for Melvin, but the training staff will ultimately have the final say on when Davis returns.
“[Davis] will have a lot of say in that decision on how he feels, but the training staff has to be on board, as well,” Melvin said. “We’ll get together after today.”
Big series this weekend
It’s only May, but the A’s feel a little extra motivation for this three-game set with the Astros.
In second place, 7 1/2 games behind Houston for first place in the American League West, the A’s realize this series could have implications on the division down the road.
“It can be a measuring stick, and if that’s the team ahead of you, you can gain some ground,” Melvin said. “There’s always something to that, and I think any time you play the better teams in the league, there’s a little more attention. No game is worth more than others, but you know you can make up some ground. It’s always important when you play these guys.”
The A’s will be facing a different Houston club than the one they last saw in April, when they split a two-game series. Astros stars George Springer, Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve remain on the injured list.