Notes, quotes | Inside pitch The A's thought RF Jermaine Dye was nearly back to full health before he was injured again Sunday.

"Maybe I came back too soon," Dye said, perhaps trying to explain why his average dropped to .149, worst among AL players with at least 100 at bats, on Friday.

Macha kept putting him in the lineup, hoping his swing return. Now they will have to wait another three-to-six weeks.

Demotion isn't an option with Dye, who makes nearly 25 percent of the A's payroll with his $11.7 million salary this year.

BATTING ORDER

1. LF Eric Byrnes - He's tailed off after two terrific months.

2. 1B Scott Hatteberg -- He's having an off-year, but has some big hits.

3. SS Miguel Tejada -- He's been close to getting average above .250.

4. DH Erubiel Durazo -- His success against LHPs keeps him in the lineup.

5. 3B Eric Chavez -- He's a second-half player.

6. C Ramon Hernandez -- He's an All-Star for how he handles staff.

7. RF Jermaine Dye -- Having a nightmare year and is injured again.

8. LF Terrence Long -- He's having to deal with part-time play.

9. 2B Mark Ellis -- His spot is in jeopardy if he doesn't get going.

BACKUPS
INF Frank Menechino, OF Adam Piatt, OF Chris Singleton, OF Billy McMillon, C Adam Melhuse.

Chris Singleton signed with the A's this winter under the belief that he would be an everyday center fielder. With Eric Byrnes' emergence, he's been more like a twice-a-week utility outfielder.

Singleton has started only 49 of the A's 87 games even though he's batting .290. He said his lack of time hasn't irritated him to the point he would ask GM Billy Beane for a trade.

"I don't necessarily want to be traded," Singleton said. "I have enough other things in my life to distract me from the fact I'm not playing. I'm just trying to have fun and hoping whoever they do put in there gets hot and we win games."

With Dye out, Singleton should get more changes.

ROTATION

1. RHP Tim Hudson -- He's been the most consistent starter.

2. LHP Barry Zito -- His peers gave him All-Star nod despite only eight wins.

3. LHP Mark Mulder -- Hometown All-Star from Chicago.

4. LHP Ted Lilly -- He's been simply awful.

5. RHP Aaron Harang -- He's about to lose his spot.

BULLPEN

RHP Keith Foulke -- He's an All-Star closer.

RHP Jim Mecir -- Knee injuries mean he can only pitch sporadically.

LHP Ricardo Rincon -- Top lefty has been erratic all year.

RHP Chad Bradford -- He's pitched well after rough stretch.

LHP John Halama - He might be back in rotation soon.

RHP Mike Neu -- The man practically never pitches.

MEDICAL WATCH
LHP Micah Bowie (strained left elbow. Expected back late-July).

Copyright (C) 2003 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.