Top prospect Russell gets back into game action

OAKLAND -- A's No. 1 prospect Addison Russell is finally on the mend from the right hamstring tear he sustained less than a week into the season.

Oakland's 2012 first-round Draft pick played in an extended spring training game in Arizona on Wednesday, marking the shortstop's first game action since injuring the hamstring with Double-A Midland in April.

According to assistant general manager David Forst, Russell played four innings in the field Wednesday and had two at-bats. He'll remain rehabbing in Arizona until cleared to rejoin a Minor League club.

"We won't have any other updates on his progress or expected return to action until he is ready to leave the extended program and join a full-season club," said Forst through e-mail.

There is no timetable on when that will be, but Russell's return to the field is encouraging for an organization that has long forecasted him to be the A's starting shortstop in 2015, following Jed Lowrie's expected departure via free agency.

Russell, 20, has compiled a .306 average through 167 games in the Minors, hitting .269 with 17 home runs and 21 stolen bases in his first full professional season last year, the majority of it spent at Class A Stockton.