Scott

Hatteberg

According to trainer Larry Davis, it should take several days for the swelling to completely subside, but Hatteberg still is expected to play today.

Hatteberg didn’t turn the ankle and stayed in the game, but the A’s plan to evaluate it today.

Hatteberg said the new twist is no problem, and even joked that once his ankle is 100 percent, he’s going to ask the team to hobble him. That’s because since hurting his ankle the first time, all he’s done is go 10-for-19 with a homer, five RBI, four doubles and two walks.

Hatteberg was used as a DH yesterday. ''It’s still swollen and I beat on it every day,’' he said. ''We’re hoping this makes an improvement.’'

Hatteberg’s foot has been slow to heal because he bruised the joints inside the ankle capsule and aggravates the injury when he runs. He’s day-to-day.

Moving Miguel Tejada to fifth effected a lot of folks. Hatteberg and Mark Ellis flip-flopped in the top two spots so the A’s wouldn’t have three lefties in a row with Hatteberg, Erubiel Durazo, and Eric Chavez 2-through-4.

Hatteberg wasn’t given a $5 million extension last summer to sit on the bench. Macha isn’t willing to admit it now, but Hatteberg is going to start against all right-handers initially. It should be a strict platoon at first base.

This just keeps looking worse and worse. The option for 2006 is believed to be worth between $2.7 million and $2.8 million.

Hatteberg sustained the injury while taking a swing in batting practice Friday night. ''I didn’t pull it, I aggravated it,’' he said. ''It’s one of those injuries that can sideline you a long time if you don’t take care of it. You have to be smart about it.’' He may be day-to-day for quite a while.

Remember Keith Ginter? Neither does Ken Macha. Adam Melhuse got the start at DH in place of Hatteberg.