Worth noting

• Boston native Nate Freiman was treated to his first start at Fenway Park on Monday, serving as designated hitter for the series opener against the Red Sox. He and his family attended several games there when he was a youngster.

"He knew last night. Hopefully, he slept," Melvin said. "I know he's excited, with a lot of family members out here. It is a good story, and great to see somebody like that who's so enthusiastic. He's been that way since he got here, but tonight will be a special night for him."

• Shortstop Hiro Nakajima (hamstring) began play on Monday in extended spring training in Arizona, where he'll remain, getting several at-bats before taking his rehab to one of the A's Minor League affiliates.

• Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes, Oakland's clubhouse ringleader last year, wasn't around to chat with his former teammates before Monday's game, as he was attending to the birth of his third child.