MESA, Ariz. - Manager Bob Melvin returned to the Bay Area on Friday morning to attend to a personal matter and bench coach Mark Kotsay will handle managerial duties in his absence.
Kotsay, the former Oakland outfielder, managed several A’s split-squad games last spring. The 41-year-old, who is in his second season as Melvin’s right-hand man, retired in 2014 after a 17-year big-league career. He spent two seasons on the Padres’ coaching staff, serving as hitting coach in 2016 before being hired by the A’s.
The A’s play the Royals in Surprise, Ariz.