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Soto's exit with back spasms puts A's in a bind

With catching options limited, Norris slides over from DH role

SEATTLE -- Despite crowding their roster with catchers this year, the A's have struggled to keep them healthy. Geovany Soto was the latest victim in this trend, exiting Friday's 4-2 loss to the Mariners in the third inning with back spasms.

Soto is considered day to day, and "these things usually end up lasting a few days, at least," said manager Bob Melvin.

Melvin opted to pluck Derek Norris from the designated-hitter spot Friday to put him behind the plate in place of Soto, leaving the A's without a DH for the remainder of the game. Melvin's only other catching option was Bryan Anderson, who has zero in-game experience with any A's pitcher.

Oakland's other catchers, Stephen Vogt (left ankle sprain) and John Jaso (concussion symptoms), are in the Bay Area and not expected to be available the entire series.

Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Oakland Athletics, Geovany Soto, Bryan Anderson, Derek Norris