ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -Oakland designated hitter Frank Thomas, sidelined almost two months because of right quadriceps tendinitis, has been cleared to start a running program on Friday.
Thomas resumed taking batting practice on the field before Monday night’s game against Oakland. He went on the 15-day disabled list on May 29.
“I didn’t feel anything,” Thomas said. “That’s great. I was cutting loose with no problems.”
Oakland manager Bob Geren said the team will have a better indication when Thomas can return after he starts running again.
Mike Sweeney, who had surgery on both knees June 11, also took batting practice. It hasn’t been determined when he will begin a running program.
Third baseman Eric Chavez, out with a right shoulder injury, will resume baseball activities when Oakland returns home Friday.
First baseman Wes Bankston was back in the lineup Monday. He didn’t play Sunday, one day after leaving a game against the New York Yankees with body cramping.
Right-hander Joey Devine, rehabbing a right elbow injury, could throw to hitters on Wednesday.
Also, the Athletics purchased the contract of infielder Brooks Conrad from Triple-A Sacramento and designated infielder Donnie Murphy for assignment.
Conrad was in the starting lineup for Monday’s game with the Rays at third base. He was hitting .242 with 21 homers and 67 RBIs in 93 games for Sacramento.
“Trying to get a little more run production,” Geren said. “He’s played all over the infield. Gives us a guy that has home run power.”
Murphy was 8-for-46 (.174) with one homer and seven RBIs in 16 games since returning from a right elbow injury.
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