--3B Eric Chavez (right shoulder) told reporters he hopes to get into a game within a week. Chavez has been shut down for nearly two weeks after feeling discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder while batting. He has yet to appear in the field in a game this spring, and his readiness for Opening Day is in doubt.

--RHP Justin Duchscherer is likely to open the season on the disabled list, GM Billy Beane told MLB.com. The comment was made after Duchscherer was forced to leave a March 26 minor league game due to a sore right elbow.

--1B Daric Barton got a start at first base on March 19, but his limited appearances this spring following his offseason hip surgery and then a strained quadriceps muscle have lessened his chances of making the roster -- along with the addition of Nomar Garciaparra. Manager Bob Geren told reporters that Barton remains in contention for a big-league job.

--RHP Joey Devine (elbow) threw off the mound on March 19 and is scheduled to do so again March 21. If he continues to progress, the A's co-closer could appear in a game within a few days. Devine has missed two weeks but had gotten in some game action already, so he should be ready to go to start the season, barring any setbacks.

--C Rob Bowen was released, leaving 2004 first-round pick Landon Powell as the expected backup catcher to Kurt Suzuki. Bowen, run through waivers the previous week, had been out of action because of a dislocated thumb. Bowen appeared in 37 games last year and batted .176. Powell is expected to get more time behind the plate than Bowen did.

--OF Ben Copeland, a Rule 5 draftee, will miss several days after bruising his sternum while running into the wall making a catch on March 17. Copeland, selected when the Giants left him unprotected in December, appears to be a longshot to make the Oakland roster this spring. The starting outfield (Matt Holliday in left, Ryan Sweeney in center and Travis Buck/Jack Cust in right) is set, and Rajai Davis is a near lock for the final spot.

BY THE NUMBERS: 156 -- The number of games shortstop Orlando Cabrera has averaged each of the last eight seasons, including four seasons with a minimum of 161. Bobby Crosby averaged 113 games per season in his five years as Oakland's shortstop.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "This team is on the verge of being a really, really good team if those young kids can turn it on. Pitching wins in this game. It's easier to win 2-1 than 10-9 every night. If those young kids can develop fast, we're going to surprise some people." -- Jason Giambi, discussing prospects Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill and Vin Mazzaro with the Associated Press.