Buck optioned to Sacramento

5/10/2008 6:31 PM

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -The Oakland Athletics activated outfielder Travis Buck and optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento prior to Saturday night's game against the Texas Rangers.

Buck, who was batting .154 in 15 games before being placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 24 due to shin splints, was 5-for-21 in six rehab starts for Sacramento.

``He needs to get some at-bats to get his swing back,'' A's manager Bob Geren said.

Geren said right-hander Kiko Calero has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment with Sacramento. Calero hasn't pitched this season as he recovers from a torn right rotator cuff.

The A's will activate right-hander Rich Harden from the 15-day disabled list to make Sunday's start against Texas. Harden has been out since April 3 with a strained right shoulder. Harden was 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA in two starts before the injury.

Also Saturday, third baseman Eric Chavez, who is on the 60-day DL recovering from back surgery, continued to progress toward a possible rehab assignment next week.

Chavez has been taking groundballs and batting practice. On Saturday he charged bunts and slowly hit grounders for the first time.

``The training staff has to feel he's ready, but he's doing fine,'' Geren said. ``He'll work on the field again on Sunday and we'll see how he feels after BP. He could be ready for a rehab assignment in a week.''