Worth noting

• The morning after lefty Brett Anderson threw 56 pitches in a three-inning relief appearance in Detroit, there was still no clarity on his role moving forward. Much of it will depend on how Bartolo Colon, activated from the disabled list Thursday to start against the Tigers, fares in the coming week.

"He just is where he is right now," Melvin said of Anderson. "We'll see how Bart does. He gives you some things in the bullpen that some guys can't. Whether we look to him to give us an inning against a couple of lefties. ... It kind of depends on how everyone's performing around him. He's added depth in the bullpen at this point, a guy that gives you versatility."

• To make room on the roster for Colon on Thursday, the A's optioned Scribner to Triple-A Sacramento. Scribner, expected back in September, was recalled Monday for his fourth stint with Oakland, but he did not appear in a game.

• In partnership with Chevron, the A's on Saturday will host the Chevron STEM Zone, an exhibit that explores scientific concepts behind the game of baseball. Admission to the STEM Zone, located behind Section 217, is free to fans with a ticket to that night's game against the Rays.