Khrush sidelined by left hand contusion
ANAHEIM -- A favorable matchup awaited Khris Davis for Saturday night¡¯s game, but as he's still not feeling at full strength while gripping a bat, the A¡¯s decided to take more of a long-term approach.
Davis remained sidelined for a second consecutive game with a left hand contusion that he sustained after getting hit by a fastball from reliever Luis Garcia in the seventh inning of Thursday¡¯s loss to the Angels. The day off keeps Davis away from Angels starter Tyler Skaggs, who he¡¯s been known to crush over the years to the tune of a .429 batting average (9-for-21), with four home runs, two doubles and eight RBIs.
¡°He wanted to play today and if you look at his numbers off Skaggs, it would suggest that he would want to try to get in there,¡± A¡¯s manager Bob Melvin said. ¡°He came in and grabbed a bat, and just wasn¡¯t as comfortable as we would like. It literally is a day-to-day proposition.¡±
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The A¡¯s will wait to see how Davis feels upon his arrival to the clubhouse on Sunday for the four-game series finale at Angel Stadium. With an off-day on Monday, it appears more likely that the A¡¯s could hold off on Davis¡¯ return until Tuesday¡¯s game against the Twins back at the Coliseum.
Mark Canha is filling Davis¡¯ designated-hitter role for Saturday¡¯s game, and though he doesn¡¯t quite hold the same ownage over Skaggs, he enters the night on a roll, coming off a game in which he homered and finished 2-for-4. Of Canha¡¯s 11 home runs this season, six have come when used as the DH.
¡°He had a sustained period when KD was on the IL,¡± Melvin said. ¡°It¡¯s not an easy thing to do, especially for a guy who is used to being out on the field so much. Whether it¡¯s first, outfield or DH, he¡¯s found a way to be productive and do it in a non-everyday role. He¡¯s having a really good year, getting on base and hitting home runs.¡±
Treinen throws a bullpen
Blake Treinen (right shoulder strain) came away feeling healthy from a 31-pitch bullpen session at Angel Stadium before Saturday¡¯s game. He¡¯ll get Sunday off from throwing, and is expected to pitch a rehab outing with one of the club¡¯s Minor League affiliates on Monday. If all goes well, the A's closer is expected to come off the IL when eligible on Wednesday.