OAKLAND, CA -- As manager Bob Melvin addresses the assembled media, a loud bat crack catches everyone's attention. At that moment everybody stops scribbling in their note pads, turns and watches as a ball sails into the left field bleachers.
"He's in the lineup," longtime A's radio voice Ken Korach joked. Yoenis Cespedes appears to be back. For the first time since May 12, Cespedes took outdoor batting practice. He has been swinging a bat since Wednesday in the indoor batting cages. He starting with a fungo bat on the first day, and worked his way up to different weights of normal baseball bats. "He looks like there's no problems at this point," Melvin said. "My guess is if it was bothering him, he'd stop."In the past, Cespedes had been hitting with the knob of the bat in his hand. The A's medical staff believes that is what lead to his left hand injury. A's trainer Nick Paparesta said Cespedes' hand usually hurts him on the follow through of his swing, and primarily when he misses the ball. He is now hitting with the knob of the bat on the outside of his hand. The A's hope the change in how he grips the bat doesn't effect his production. Cespedes was leading MLB rookies in RBIs (21) and homers (5) when he was placed on the DL."I think guys make adjustments over the course of their career and this is one he probably feels like he needs to make," Melvin said. The next step for Cespedes is likely a rehabilitation stint with the Sacramento River Cats who are on a homestead until June 1. Melvin says Cespedes will probably need a few at-bats in the Minor Leagues before he is ready to return. He hasn't played since May 7, and is eligible to be reinstated from the DL anytime.
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