Then Oakland returns to the Coliseum for a quick three-game set against the AL champion Rays before going back out on the road to Texas and Seattle. It's a taxing stretch, especially with some veteran position players who are already showing signs of wear and tear.

Eric Chavez isn't expected to play until Saturday at the earliest because of shoulder soreness, but Nomar Garciaparra believes he'll be OK for Friday after missing a game plus 11 of the team's 12 innings Tuesday with calf tightness. Giambi, who's had some leg soreness early on, also should be back in action.

Oakland's young rotation will get a test, too, especially on the East Coast portion of the swing. Rookie left-hander Brett Anderson and Josh Outman will each pitch at Yankee Stadium, while Outman and rookie right-hander Trevor Cahill will go against the Blue Jays, who are 7-3 to start the season.