Foulke off DL, Chavez taking grounders for As

5/9/2008 7:27 PM

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -Oakland reliever Keith Foulke was reinstated Friday from the 15-day disabled list, giving Athletics manager Bob Geren another option in his bullpen.

``All those guys are interchangeable right now,'' Geren said when asked Foulke's role. ``Huston (Street) is the closer but (Andrew) Brown, (Santiago) Casilla, Foulke, (Alan) Embree, they can all be used at any time. Chad Gaudin's now down there too and he's thrown into every role too.''

Also Friday, third baseman Eric Chavez, who is on the 60-day DL recovering from back surgery, took about 25 groundballs and early batting practice.

``He had a really nice day ... moved very well,'' Geren said. ``It was by far his best day.''

Foulke last pitched April 10, working the 12th inning and earning his only save of the season in a victory over Toronto, before going on the DL with neck stiffness. He has no record and a 2.57 ERA in seven games.

Geren watched both of Foulke's minor league rehab assignments, viewing one of them on the Internet and the other in person.

``He's ready to go,'' Geren said.

Geren said Chavez could begin a minor league rehab assignment in one to two weeks.

``The only thing he has yet to do is field bunts and slow-hit grounders, charge the ball,'' Geren said. ``He's a big-time Gold Glove player. ... He has a goal. He's trying to shoot for something and go from there.''

Foulke took the roster spot of Dallas Braden, who was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday.