A's notes: Coco scratched, Kottaras faces good friend

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OAKLAND -- The A's made a last minute modification to the lineup on Sunday morning. Coco Crisp was originally set to start in center field in his typical leadoff role but was scratched from the game with an eye allergy issue called allergic conjunctivitis. The condition is considered minor and the A's aren't sure he'll be available to pinch hit. "He's actually been dealing with it for the last couple days," Melvin said. "It's a little worse today. Hopefully we are all clear of that tomorrow."As a result of Crisp being scratched, Yoenis Cespedes moves from the DH spot to center field, Jonny Gomes moves from left field to DH, and Collin Cowgill will be the leadoff hitter and play in left field. "I show up everyday planning to play so I am not surprised when something like this happens I look forward to it," Cowgill said. "I always want to play but my role right now is to fill in when I need to and help out when I can." The A's will face left-handed pitcher Randy Wolf. George Kottaras, who is in the lineup batting ninth, was Wolf's personal catcher in Milwaukee. Kottaras has provided some inside information to his teammates and hitting coach Chili Davis about Wolf. "I told Chili Davis kind of some things that he can and can't do do, what he likes to do and we go from there," Kottaras said.Kottaras said he is still good friends with Wolf and he is happy that he latched on with the Orioles after getting let go by the Brewers. He looks forward to facing his good buddy. "It's going to be fun having a guy out there that I caught for two and a half years," Kottaras said. "Business is business and we've got to play the game but at the same time it's going to be a good time." A's manager Bob Melvin says that he planned on having Kottaras in the lineup even before he knew Wolf was pitching on Sunday. The Orioles named the left-handed veteran Sunday's started late Saturday afternoon. Inge-ury AlertBrandon Inge underwent surgery earlier this week. Melvin says the veteran third baseman might be visiting with the team in Detroit. Inge plans to suit up and remain with the team as soon as he is able to.

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