Moss in cleanup slot for opener; Cespedes fifth

OAKLAND -- Yoenis Cespedes spent 72 days in the cleanup spot last year, but Oakland's left fielder hit fifth for the club's season opener Monday night.

The lefty-swinging Brandon Moss, serving as designated hitter, batted in the fourth spot against Tribe right-hander Justin Masterson -- behind Nos. 2 and 3 hitters Josh Donaldson and Jed Lowrie.

"It depends on how many lefties we have, and with the two righties, we like to spread them out a little bit," explained manager Bob Melvin. "It kind of insulates Moss a little bit, too, and then we have four lefties in a row, 6, 7, 8, 9. So depending on what they have in their bullpen, you take a look at that, too."

Moss was one of Oakland's hottest hitters this spring, hitting .364 with a team-high four homers and 14 RBIs in 16 games. Cespedes, meanwhile, finished at .167, collecting just one homer while toying with a shorter swing.

The Cuban slugger has since returned to his old swing, which produced a .240/.294/.442 line last year, with what he hopes is an improved approach.