Plouffe went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer in Thursday's win over the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran opened up a one-run ballgame with his third blast of the year off of Seattle reliever Dan Altavilla in the seventh inning. Plouffe has been struggling a bit at the plate this year as evidenced by his .216 batting average and his 21 strikeouts on the season (including three Thursday night), but at least he's producing power consistent with his past numbers (.176 ISO).

Plouffe went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two walks in Saturday's 10-6 loss to the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Plouffe launched a monster 432-foot shot left in the fifth, the first of two round-trippers in the frame for the A's. Both of the veteran third baseman's homers on the season have come in the last two games, and he notably operated out of the two-hole Saturday. He's now hit safely in four straight, and five of his last six overall.

Plouffe is manning third base and batting second for Saturday's game against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Bob Melvin is trying to shake things up in a struggling A's lineup and Plouffe's three game hitting streak appears to have warranted a chance for more at-bats. The veteran third baseman still has a .194 average to begin the season, a statistic that should continue to improve with time.

Plouffe went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran third baseman launched his first homer of the season in the ninth, a modest bright spot in an otherwise dismal game -- and start to the season -- for the offseason acquisition. Plouffe went down on strikes in his three other at-bats Friday, and even with the round-tripper, his average remains under the Mendoza Line at .194.

Plouffe went 1-for-2 with a sacrifice fly, a single, a walk and two runs in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Plouffe's early struggles have dropped him to eighth in the order for the time being, but Wednesday's outing was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal start. While he's yet to record a multi-hit game or extra-base hit, the veteran third baseman has hit safely in four of his last six games. His average still stands at an unsightly .179 through 31 plate appearances, so Plouffe will presumably need to put together a solid stretch of hitting before reverting to a more favorable part of the lineup.

Plouffe (illness) will start at third base and bat sixth in the order Sunday against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Plouffe was held out for the first time this season Saturday after coming down with the illness, but the Athletics were never worried about the third baseman missing extended time. The day off might actually prove beneficial to Plouffe, who was stuck in a rut at the dish prior to sitting out Saturday. He's collected three hits in 19 at-bats this season and has struck out six times.

Plouffe was a late scratch Saturday due to an illness, the East Bay Times' John Hickey reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mark Canha will take over as the DH batting eighth while Ryon Healy moves from DH to third base. Make sure to take Plouffe out of all daily lineups Saturday.

Plouffe went 1-for-4 with an RBI single in Thursday's 5-1 victory over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran third baseman broke through with his first RBI of the season in the sixth with a single to deep center, and he's now hit safely in three of the first four games of the season. Plouffe tore the cover off the ball in his first spring with the A's, hitting .370 with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and 11 RBI over 17 games.

Plouffe (groin) went 0-for-3 against the Giants on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Plouffe was swinging a hot bat before a minor groin strain forced him to miss a week of action, as the 30-year-old was 8-for-11 in the four games leading up to Friday. He's back in the lineup again Saturday, so barring any setbacks it appears Plouffe will be ready to go for Opening Day.

Plouffe (groin) won't play Wendesday, contrary to a previous report, CSN California's Joe Stiglich reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was initially expected to return to game action against the Cubs on Wednesday, but will instead return to Northern California. The A's have three exhibition games against the Giants starting Thursday before Opening Day, and those contests will represent Plouffe's last chance to get back in game action during the exhibition season. Ryon Healy would presumably start at third base if Plouffe has to miss any time in April.