OAKLAND -- An injured Khris Davis was predictably missing from the A's lineup for Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Mariners, and he is likely headed to the disabled list Wednesday.
Davis was idling in an MRI machine ahead of the series opener after sustaining a right groin strain on Sunday in Toronto. He was then diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain.
Manager Bob Melvin wouldn't commit to a DL stint for the slugger, but such injuries typically require downtime spanning at least 10 days.
"We'll probably make a decision on him tomorrow, whether or not to put him on the DL or not," Melvin said after the game.
Infielder Franklin Barreto, the club's No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, departed Triple-A Nashville's game early Tuesday night, so he is likely to be recalled should Davis head to the DL.
Davis, who has 13 home runs this season, has more homers than any other player since the start of 2016 (98). His 38 RBIs this year ranked third in the American League entering Tuesday.
"Losing Khris Davis would be a tough one for us," Melvin said. "He's as prolific a power hitter as anyone in baseball, so any team, no matter the configuration of players, that one would hurt, so hopefully we don't lose him for a long period of time. If that is the case, then other guys have to step up."