Chavez rejoins A's lineup

OAKLAND -- Hearing the word "back" hasn't necessarily been music to Eric Chavez's ears during the past few months. After all, it has been back spasms that have kept him out of the A's lineup since he was placed on the disabled list last August.

But on Thursday, the word "back" was the reason behind contagious smiles in the A's clubhouse before their series finale against the Blue Jays -- and for good reason.

Chavez was back in the Oakland lineup in the designated hitter spot. The third baseman was activated for the day's game as the injured Frank Thomas heads to the DL with a strained right quadriceps.

The A's designated outfielder Jeff Fiorentino for assignment to clear a spot for Chavez on the 40-man roster.

Soucek to stand in for Herck at DPR

Blue Jays pick up pair of outfielders

Wolfe, Ryan inching towards 100 percent

Yankees to be cautious with A-Rod