The Athletics plan to activate designated hitter Frank Thomas from the disabled list as early as Friday. 

The Athletics plan to activate designated hitter Frank Thomas from the disabled list as early as Friday. 

The Kansas City Royals haven't swept a series in Oakland in 20 years. 

John Buck ran enough just chasing a foul ball. 

John Buck and Mike Aviles hit home runs, Gil Meche allowed five hits over seven innings and the Kansas City Royals won their fourth consecutive road game, beating the fading Oakland Athletics 5-2 on Tuesday night. 

Excuse Brad Ziegler for being slightly overwhelmed by all the attention. 

MEDICAL WATCH: DH/1B Mike Sweeney (sore left knee) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 29. 

MEDICAL WATCH: DH/1B Mike Sweeney (sore left knee) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 29. 

The A's have used 14 rookies this year, and as impressive as outfielders Ryan Sweeney and Carlos Gonzalez have been, reliever Brad Ziegler is the best story of the bunch. 

--3B Eric Chavez hit on the field for the first time since going on the DL with a sore right shoulder in early July. 

The A's have used 14 rookies this year, and as impressive as outfielders Ryan Sweeney and Carlos Gonzalez have been, reliever Brad Ziegler is the best story of the bunch. 

--3B Eric Chavez hit on the field for the first time since going on the DL with a sore right shoulder in early July. 

Gil Meche was a disappointment last season, winning nine games in his first year with the Kansas City Royals. 

Jose Guillen hardly feels 100 percent, moving gingerly in the outfield and feeling his sore groin at the plate. 

Jose Guillen hit his first home run in more than a month and Alex Gordon also had a two-run homer to help Zack Greinke to his first win in July and the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 4-2 on Monday night.