Outfielder David DeJesus was held out of the Royals' lineup Wednesday in the series finale at Oakland due to a sore back.
DeJesus leads the club with a .304 average and 107 hits and already has a career-high 10 home runs. "He got tight in his lower back (Tuesday night)," Royals manager Trey Hillman said. "That's why he wasn't moving very good (Tuesday)."
DeJesus went 0-for-4 that day to drop his average to .301.
"I don't think it's serious, but muscle tightness," Hillman said. "Hopefully we'll get a refreshed guy back (Friday)."
The Royals are off Thursday before opening a nine-game homestand, with the first three games against the White Sox.
Hillman also rested second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and catcher John Buck on Wednesday, a day game after a night game. Tony Pena Jr. started at shortstop, while Mike Aviles, who has been starting at shortstop, moved to second base. Miguel Olivo replaced Buck behind the plate.
ROYALS 4, ATHLETICS 3 (10 innings): Jose Guillen's sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the 10th scored Esteban German, who led off the inning with a walk. After Mike Aviles failed to put down a sacrifice bunt, he doubled to move German to third. Ramon Ramirez, the fifth of six Kansas City pitchers, picked up the victory, while Joakim Soria earned his 30th save. The A's had 13 hits, but 12 were singles, and they stranded 15 runners.
