OAKLAND -- The A's are close to getting their third baseman back.
Matt Chapman, who has been out since June 15 with a right thumb contusion, could return for the team's series against the Padres next Tuesday at the earliest, according to manager Bob Melvin.
Chapman took 30 swings off a tee on Friday, the first time he's hit since receiving another cortisone shot on Monday. Melvin said Chapman will take live batting practice on Sunday.
"If the cortisone does what it's supposed to do, [I'll] get ready to play real soon," Chapman said.