OAKLAND -- Chris Hermann hit a grand slam Tuesday in his first game with the A's, marking a triumphant debut and return from arthroscopic knee surgery.
That didn't secure him a spot in Wednesday's starting lineup. The catcher was a reserve against the Minnesota Twins, in deference to Josh Phegley setting up behind the dish.
Those two hit from different sides of the plate, but manager Bob Melvin told reporters his catchers wouldn't operate in a straight platoon moving forward. That was clear with right-handed Phegley marching up against right-handed Twins starter Kyle Gibson.
Hermann caught all nine innings Tuesday night, so following the effort with a rest day could also be done in the name of health preservation. It also has something to do with Phegley, who deserves to play. He's hitting .263 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs nearing the All-Star break.
Having several quality catchers is a good problem to have, and Melvin will try and find proper matchups for both players to thrive down the stretch.
Reigning Pacific Coast League player of the month Franklin Barreto makes another start at second base, which will be his regular position with Jurickson Profar in a utility role.
The Twins made a later scratch to their lineup, with designated hitter Marwin Gonzalez taken out of the third spot with a sore right big toe and replaced by Jorge Polanco.
Sports
Here are the full lineups for Wednesday's contest between the A's and Twins, which will be broadcast on NBC Sports California and streaming on the MyTeams app. The pregame show begins at 5:30 p.m., with first pitch set for 6:07 p.m.
Minnesota Twins (53-31)
Max Kepler, RF
Mitch Garver, C
Jorge Polanco, DH
C.J. Cron, 1B
Luis Arraez, LF
Miguel Sanó, 3B
Ehire Adrianza, SS
Jonathan Scoop, 2B
Byron Buxton, CF
Kyle Gibson, RHP (8-4, 4.21 ERA)
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Oakland Athletics (47-39)
Marcus Semien, SS
3B Matt Chapman, 3B
Matt Olson, 1B
Khris Davis, DH
RF Mark Canha, RF
Ramón Laureano, CF
Robbie Grossman, LF
Franklin Barreto, 2B
Josh Phegley, C
Mike Fiers, RHP (8-3, 4.01)
