Programming note: A’s-Twins coverage starts today at 4:30 p.m. with A’s Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet California. CHANNEL LISTINGS
Outfielder Craig Gentry was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday to clear a roster spot for Coco Crisp, who the A's reinstated from the 15-day disabled list.
Crisp will be making his 2015 debut after undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery April 3 that sidelined him until now. He played two games on a rehab assignment for Single-A Stockton and went 2-for-8.
Crisp is batting leadoff and playing left field Wednesday night at Minnesota, with Billy Burns playing center and hitting second. Crisp made the switch from center to left during spring training but played sparingly out there because of his elbow problems. He returns to the active roster less than five weeks out from surgery, a relatively quick return. The expected timetable for recovery from his elbow procedure was six to eight weeks.
Gentry began the season as part of a center field platoon with Sam Fuld, but he got off to a terrible start at the plate and hit .086 with no extra-base hits in 16 games.