Lowrie's foot continues to show improvement

HOUSTON -- Jed Lowrie's contused right foot improved enough overnight to make him available off the bench for the A's middle game against his former Astros team on Saturday evening.

Lowrie took part in infield drills and batting practice before the contest, something he wasn't able to do Friday, and came out of the pregame exercises ready for game action.

"My guess is he'll be in there tomorrow," manager Bob Melvin said after the A's 11-5 win.

Lowrie hasn't played since Tuesday, when he was hit in the foot by a Yu Darvish pitch in Texas, allowing Adam Rosales to make a third straight start at shortstop. Rosales is just 3-for-29 over his last 10 games after batting .318 over his first 13 contests.