Zobrist exits game due to left knee soreness

KANSAS CITY -- A's second baseman Ben Zobrist departed Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Royals in the fifth inning with left knee soreness. He's considered day to day.

Zobrist hit a pair of RBI singles and also walked before exiting, with Eric Sogard replacing him at second. Zobrist said after the game he endured the injury while sliding.

"I just jammed it pretty hard into the ground," he said. "Just didn't feel like I had the range to stay in the game right there. It just didn't feel right."

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Zobrist had already iced his knee twice by the time the game ended, causing stiffness. But it wasn't swollen, an encouraging sign.

"I'll see how I wake up tomorrow morning," he said, "and then we'll figure it out."

• Rehabbing closer Sean Doolittle will increase his throwing distance to 120 feet on Monday, and he will pitch from flat ground for the first time on Friday, as he makes his way back from a shoulder injury.

• Outfielder Coco Crisp will also take a big step Monday, beginning light baseball activity -- sock throws and dry swings -- for the first time since undergoing right elbow surgery two weeks ago.

• Right-hander Jarrod Parker (Tommy John surgery) pitched three scoreless innings in an extended spring game Saturday, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out four. His next appearance, a four-inning stint scheduled for Thursday, could be in a Minor League game.