Worth noting

• Outfielder Michael Taylor, who is out of options, hit his third home run of the spring and stole a base Friday against the Royals.

• Speedster Billy Burns had three hits but also committed a costly error in left field.

• Left-hander Sean Doolittle gave up three runs in two-thirds of an inning. He has allowed six combined in his last two appearances, both against the Royals.

• Minor Leaguer Daniel Robertson got the start at shortstop in Surprise, while Hiroyuki Nakajima remained in Minor League camp in Phoenix.

• Craig Gentry (lower back strain) hit soft toss in the batting cage and Melvin said the utility outfielder should be close to taking batting practice on the field. As to whether he could be ready for Opening Day, it is still unclear.

• First baseman Daric Barton (hamstring) is expected to return to the field Saturday as part of the A's split-squad game at the Giants. Barton last played March 8.