Oakland A's news and notes, June 13 - San Francisco Chronicle

DENVER -- Brandon McCarthy must wait a while before trying to extend his winning streak to six games.

The A's ace seems destined for another visit to the disabled list, thanks to his cranky right shoulder. Since last coming off the disabled list, he made just two starts, throwing 71 and 88 pitches while surrendering three runs in 13 innings.

"It's the same kind of thing," said manager Bob Melvin, citing McCarthy's shoulder blade. "He knows himself pretty well when he's sore, and he's been experiencing that the last couple of days."

McCarthy was scratched from Wednesday's start and will be replaced by Tommy Milone, who was supposed to start Thursday and will get his normal four days' rest because of Monday's off day. Jarrod Parker starts Thursday.

If they need a replacement for McCarthy, the A's could call up Graham Godfrey or Tyson Ross.

"My feeling is, the days he's pitched, he's felt pretty good. Sometimes the lead-up days aren't good," Melvin said. "We're really trying to be careful with him. It's something that over the course of his career, it's popped up around this time of year. We're trying to be proactive enough where hopefully we don't have to put him on the DL for a long period of time like he has in past years."

Briefly: Yoenis Céspedes, who has been shelved since Thursday with a strained left hamstring, will be in Wednesday's lineup, Melvin said. ... The A's will use a designated hitter again when returning to the Coliseum on Friday, so will Manny Ramirez finally make his A's debut? He had three hits Tuesday for Sacramento. "I think anything's possible," Melvin said. "He's swinging the bat better now."

A's on deck

Wednesday

at Rockies

5:40 p.m. CSNCA

Milone (6-5) vs. Outman (0-2)

Thursday

at Rockies

12:10 p.m. No TV

Parker (2-3) vs. White (2-4)

Friday

vs. Padres

7:05 p.m. CSNCA

Bass (2-6) vs. Blackley (0-2)

Leading off

Modern ballplayer: Oakland's top draft pick, shortstop Addison Russell, reported on Twitter that he's about to turn pro. First, he'll be honored at his Florida high school: "Throwing first pitch at Wahoos game tomorrow. Flying to Cali to sign on Thursday then Arizona to start my career."

- John Shea

This article appeared on page B - 5 of the San Francisco Chronicle