Reddick on track for season debut Sunday vs. M's
Outfielder has been sidelined with oblique strain
OAKLAND -- A's outfielder Josh Reddick will make his return to the lineup this weekend, as promised -- just not on Saturday when eligible.
That was the initial plan, but with the Mariners starting a lefty in J.A. Happ on Saturday, the A's are expected to wait to bring back Reddick until Sunday to face a right-hander. Nevermind that the righty just so happens to be ace Felix Hernandez.
"I'm sure he's aware of that," said manager Bob Melvin, smiling.
Reddick, fully recovered from a right oblique strain, went 1-for-3 with an RBI in a rehab game for Stockton on Thursday night and 0-for-4 on Friday.
When healthy, Reddick has typically been an everyday player for the A's. And while Melvin acknowledges he's "been a guy that's shown he deserves to be in the lineup for us," there's seemingly a chance he could be involved in a platoon with newcomer Cody Ross, with Tyler Ladendorf anticipated as the corresponding roster move upon Reddick's reinstatement.
"In the past, he has played every day some, and sometimes he's been platooned," said Melvin. "We'll see what the roster dynamic looks like when he gets here."
• Rehabbing closer Sean Doolittle played catch from 90 feet on Friday, as he works his way back from a left shoulder injury.
• Right-hander A.J. Griffin (Tommy John surgery) and lefty Sean Nolin (groin) are both scheduled to throw to hitters on Saturday.
• Lefty Barry Zito made his Triple-A Nashville debut Friday, allowing five runs (three earned) on 10 hits, including a home run. He walked one and struck out four. Reliever Ryan Cook, sent to Triple-A to begin the season following a woeful spring, picked up the win in the game, tossing two scoreless innings with one hit, one walk and one strikeout.