A's lineup: Crisp returns

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OAKLAND -- The A's may not have made a deadline deal but they are still shaking up their roster. Multiple sources say that Dan Straily is joining the A's and starting on Friday in place of Travis Blackley. The A's likely won't announce the move until Friday prior to his start but Blackley is already listed among relievers on the lineup card.The A's also recalled infielder Adam Rosales and optioned shortstop Brandon Hicks to Triple-A. This will be Rosales' third time with A's this season. He is batting .167 in 13 games in Oakland with a .394 on-base percentage. He was hitting .280 in Sacramento with eight homers, 47 RBIs and 26 walks.Brandon Hicks hit a game-tying homer that helped the A's win a 15-inning contest against the Rays on Monday, but badly misplayed a ball that lead to a run in Tuesday's 8-0 loss to Tampa Bay. He hit .183 in Oakland with his first three career homers in 20 games.In other noteworthy news, Coco Crisp who has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury is back in the starting lineup.Oakland Athletics (56-48) lineupCoco Crisp, CF
Seth Smith, DH
Josh Reddick, RF
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Brandon Moss, 1B
Brandon Inge, 3B
George Kottaras, C
Adam Rosales, SS
Eric Sogard, 2B
Instant AnalysisCoco Crisp's return to the lineup should provide a spark for an A's team that scored just six runs total over the four games he missed. The fact he is starting in center field is a very good sign that he has recovered from the hamstring issue that held him out.Eric Sogard is starting at second base for Jemile Weeks who has been struggling a little offensively and defensively. The A's likely chose to keep Sogard instead of Hicks because he is more versatile in the field. Rosales' addition might be a temporary one because Cliff Pennington is taking batting practice on the field and then likely starting a rehab assignment on Friday. In case you are wondering that is just one reason why Grant Green wasn't called up.Top of the OrderThe A's were 16-2 in July with Crisp atop the lineup. The veteran center fielder caught fire last month hitting .342 with three homers, two doubles, two triples, 11 runs scored.Heart of the OrderJosh Reddick is struggling lately offensively. He is stuck in an 0 for 21 slump since crashing into the wall in Baltimore. The A's say there is no reason for concern regarding Reddick's issues at the plate.Brandon Inge has an A's season-high 11-game hitting streak. He has been a steady source of RBIs since the A's acquired him. In his 54 hits with the A's Inge has 47 RBIs.Bottom of the OrderGeorge Kottaras is back in the lineup. The left-handed catcher will be used primarily in a platoon role with Kurt Suzuki. Expect to see Kottaras starting most times there is a right-handed pitcher on the mound. He went 1 for 3 in his A's debut. Catching Bartolo Colon should be a simple task. All the throws are fastballs. Starting PitchersColon (7-8, 3.78 ERA) will begin the four-game home series with the Jays. He will be making his 21st start of the season. Colon's 2.65 ERA in July was the 10th lowest in the American League that month.The Blue Jays will be sending Henderson Alvarez (7-7, 4.43) to the mound. Alvarez is 0-1 in his career against the A's with a 3.09 ERA in 11.2 innings.