Chone Figgins returned to third base for the first time in over a week. Figgins missed four games and then was limited to DH duty in the next two after being hit in the right elbow by a pitch Sept. 8 against the Yankees.

Meanwhile, Erick Aybar returned to shortstop after straining his left hamstring Aug. 27. But Aybar's return was a tentative one. He played only three innings, going hitless in two at-bats.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Aybar would play only one of the next two games in Oakland as well.

"We're going to work him back into our lineup slowly," Scioscia said. "Get a read on his stamina."

Aybar said he has had no discomfort in his hamstring over the past week while gradually increasing his workouts.

"Feels 100 percent," Aybar said. "I've been hitting, running, taking groundballs -- no hurt, nothing."

A'S 8, ANGELS 1: John Lackey returned to the rotation after a nine-day sabbatical given to him by manager Mike Scioscia to "recharge" for the playoffs. He looked sharp for four innings, shutting out the A's on three hits. But the A's got to him for four runs from the fifth to sixth innings, then blew the game open against the Angels bullpen with a three-run seventh. The loss snapped the Angels' winning streak at five and trimmed their lead over the Rays for the best record in the American League to 2 1/2 games.

--2B Howie Kendrick's running workouts were put on hold over the weekend when he felt irritation in the back of his left knee near his strained hamstring. Kendrick has been out since Aug. 27 and returned to light running during his workout. He is still optimistic that he will be able to return before the end of the regular season.

--OF Juan Rivera was not in the lineup again because of tightness in his right hip flexor. Rivera left Saturday's game while running out his third double of the game (and fourth extra-base hit). He should be available before the end of the Oakland series, according to manager Mike Scioscia.