AL | The Big Hurt returns to the Bay Area

The Oakland Athletics agreed to terms Thursday with designated hitter Frank Thomas, who was released Sunday by the Toronto Blue Jays to become a free agent after becoming disgruntled about his playing time.

Thomas was in the lineup for the A's series finale against Minnesota, batting cleanup as the designated hitter, ending rampant speculation around Seattle after the Mariners took a look at Thomas as a possible alternative to designated hitter Jose Vidro.

Thomas went 0 for 3 with two walks while batting cleanup as the DH on Thursday.

Oakland will be on the hook only for about $337,000 — a prorated share of the $390,000 minimum — so this move was a bargain for general manager Billy Beane and a club looking to boost its power numbers.

To clear roster room, the A's placed outfielder Travis Buck on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 19 with shin splints and transferred six-time Gold Glove third baseman Eric Chavez to the 60-day disabled list.

The 39-year-old Thomas, who will get the vast majority of his $8 million salary this year from the Blue Jays, is hitless in his past 13 at-bats and had gone 4 for 35 since homering in three straight games April 5-8. Known as a slow starter, he batted .167 with three homers and 11 runs batted in for Toronto this year.

Boston: Kevin Youkilis returned to the Boston lineup after missing a game with a lower back problem. Add a potential knee problem to his woes: He ran into the rolled-up tarp when chasing after a foul pop-up in the seventh, but stayed in the game.

Detroit: Gary Sheffield received another cortisone shot in his shoulder but wasn't sure when he might return to the lineup.

Minnesota: The Twins optioned OF Denard Span to Class AAA Rochester to clear room for Michael Cuddyer's return from the DL today.

Oakland: Chavez will join the team in Seattle today and could begin doing baseball activities as he recovers from offseason back surgery. He is eligible to come off the 60-day DL on May 27.

Tampa Bay: Former Tampa Bay catcher Mike DiFelice cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to AAA Durham. Right-hand pitcher Calvin Medlock, designated for assignment last Friday, also cleared waivers and will report to Durham.

Texas: The Rangers recalled right-handed pitcher Scott Feldman and right-hander Kazuo Fukumori. To make room on the roster, the team put lefty Kason Gabbard on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff back and optioned right-hander Wes Littleton to Oklahoma.

Toronto: 3B Scott Rolen (broken finger) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day disabled list before tonight's game against Kansas City.

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