Lower leg issues interrupt Blanks' rehab

OAKLAND -- Kyle Blanks, who began a rehab assignment two weeks ago for a strained left calf, has suffered setbacks and was scheduled for an MRI on Friday.

In addition to the calf issue, Blanks is experiencing soreness from the ankles down on both sides, according to A's manager Bob Melvin.

"It's actually all lower leg, heel, feet, both of them now," Melvin said Friday. "He's having some trouble."

Blanks was sent to Triple-A Sacramento on Aug. 9 once he could run the bases comfortably, and he is 9-for-21 (.429) with a home run in seven rehab games. He appeared to be nearing a return after playing Monday and Tuesday, but he has not seen any action since.

The right-handed first baseman has been on the disabled list since June 23. In 45 at-bats for the A's this season, he is batting .333 with two home runs.

Oakland acquired Blanks from the Padres on May 15 in exchange for outfielder Jake Goebbert and a player to be named.