Melvin sticking with hot-hitting rookie Canha

HOUSTON -- A's manager Bob Melvin, who utilized 137 batting orders last year, posted the same lineup for a third consecutive game Tuesday.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?" said Melvin.

At least not when they're facing a string of right-handers, a stretch that's expected to end Sunday in Kansas City, with lefty Danny Duffy is scheduled for the Royals.

Expect the platoon-crazed A's to stick with Mark Canha throughout.

The right-handed-hitting rookie, who was expected to play in a limited role against southpaws this year, made his seventh consecutive start Tuesday for the second game of a three-game set in Houston.

"That wasn't the plan," said Melvin, smiling. "Now, he's made his opportunities as I've said, and with Coco out, he's gotten the opportunity, so you gotta give him credit. He's getting good at-bats off whoever they're running out there."

Before going hitless in three at-bats with one walk Tuesday, Canha had hit safely in each of his first six games of his career, compiling 11 total in 30 at-bats -- second most in Oakland history to Mitchell Page's 12 -- and notching three multi-hit games, most among American League rookies. Moreover, his seven RBIs also tie him for second most in Oakland history. Page leads with 10.

• Catcher Stephen Vogt was back behind the plate Tuesday, after rolling his left ankle in the fifth inning of Monday's opener, and went 1-for-3 with an RBI single.

• Right-hander Jarrod Parker, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, will throw 45 pitches in a non-simulated extended spring game for the first time on Saturday.