Andrus expected back Friday; Murphy, Berkman sit

OAKLAND -- Shortstop Elvis Andrus, sidelined with tightness in his lower back, was hoping to talk his way into the lineup Wednesday. Rangers manager Ron Washington didn't give him the chance. Washington decided to give him another day off to go along with Thursday's off-day.

"I thought it was going to be Wednesday, I guess it's going to be Friday," Andrus said. "I feel good I felt I could DH. I guess they are going to give me an extra day and make sure I'm 100 percent."

Jim Adduci was the designated hitter, making his second start since being called up Sunday. Craig Gentry was also in left field as the Rangers sat both David Murphy and Lance Berkman despite a right-hander on the mound for Oakland. This is the second time in four days that Murphy was out even though Texas was facing a right-handed pitcher.

"David played two in a row," Washington said. "It's a quick turnaround [with the day game] and I wanted to get some young eyes out there. Gentry had a good night last night [2-for-5] and I wanted to get him back in there. David will be back in the lineup when we get to Anaheim."

Berkman was 0-for-2 on Tuesday and hitless in six at-bats since being activated. But Washington is encouraged from what he has seen from Berkman at the plate.

"He hasn't seen a whole lot of pitches, but he gives you a good at-bat and makes contact," Washington said. "Sooner or later it's going to fall into place."

Berkman is a switch-hitter, but right now he is limited to hitting from the left side of the plate. The inflammation in his left hip makes it difficult for Berkman to hit right-handed. Washington pinch-hit Jeff Baker for Berkman on Tuesday when the Athletics brought in a left-handed reliever.

"If he had to hit right-handed he could," Washington said. "If we don't have to do it, I won't."