Parrino called up, gets start after Punto scratched

OAKLAND -- The A's called up Andy Parrino from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, with Alberto Callaspo on the paternity list, and Parrino found himself starting at second base after Nick Punto was announced as a late scratch.

Manager Bob Melvin said Punto has been "a little banged up," but he originally believed Punto could play against Yankees right-hander David Phelps. Instead, Punto was removed from the lineup about 2 1/2 hours before game time.

Eric Sogard, who often plays second base against righties, also is hurting after fouling a ball off his ankle several days ago.

All of those things add up to an opportunity for Parrino, a switch-hitter who was batting .344 at Sacramento and gives the A's versatility in the field.

"He can play anywhere in the infield -- less [so at] first -- and he can also give you a pretty good effort in the outfield," Melvin said. "We saw him in Spring Training play left field for us. So now you can shuffle around a little bit over the course of games, or give him a start.

"Shortstop's his best position, he's done a really nice job defensively at shortstop, but just as much, he's the guy that was playing really well at the time."

Growing up in Rochester, N.Y., Parrino rooted for the Yankees and idolized Derek Jeter. This weekend's series marks Jeter's final three regular-season games at the Coliseum.

"It's funny how, tonight, you look across the field and the guy I idolized growing up, being from New York, he's playing," Parrino said. "It's unbelievable. It's awesome to be able to come up on this day, of all days."

Parrino played in 14 games for the A's in 2013, going 4-for-34 while playing shortstop, second and third.

Callaspo is expected to miss the entire series as he awaits the birth of his child.