OAKLAND -- Third base hardly is Donnie Murphy's natural position in the infield.

And if he had his preference, he would be an everyday player rather than platooning with Jack Hannahan.

But he's also a realist.

"I've got no room to complain," Murphy said. "I knew my role coming into the year."

That role was to be a jack-of-all-trades type for the A's infield. Right now, Murphy finds himself drawing starts at third against left-handed starters.

He batted eighth Monday night against the Baltimore Orioles, who had left-hander Garrett Olson pitching. He's likely to be in the lineup again tonight against another lefty, Brian Burres.

Murphy primarily played second base before coming to the A's via a trade with the Kansas City Royals before the 2007 season. But he quickly adapted to shortstop last season when he started 30 games there, mostly after Bobby Crosby was lost to a broken hand in July.

This season, Murphy is trying to get a handle on third. He and the left-handed hitting Hannahan are splitting time there with Eric Chavez still on the 60-day disabled list.

"I like it," Murphy said of third. "It's just reactionary. You don't have time to think. And you don't have to look pretty as long as you make the play."

But Murphy's strong arm is very well-suited to the position, an attribute that has caught manager Bob Geren's eye.

"He's looked good," Geren said. "He's made some good plays just with his arm. He's got one of the quickest releases

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and (best) arm strength around."

Murphy entered Monday hitting just .206 with two homers and six RBI, though he singled and stole a base in his first at-bat against Baltimore.

He turned in a fine play to end the top of the sixth, snaring a Nick Markakis liner and throwing to first to double off Brian Roberts.

Chavez update

Chavez took more grounders at third base before Monday's game, as his carefully structured rehab program continues for his sore lower back. According to an mlb.com story on Sunday, Chavez had talked to the A's about returning soon as a designated hitter. On Monday, Chavez downplayed that idea and said the A's want him fully healed so he can contribute defensively as well.

He maintains that the true test for his back will come when he begins charging for bunts and diving for balls, which he is not yet ready for. It's unlikely he'll return May 27, when he's eligible to be activated from the DL.

Cust honored

A's outfielder Jack Cust was named the American League Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday. He hit .500 (10-for-20) with three homers, four RBI and five walks in six games last week. Cust took a seven-game hitting streak into Monday night's game but went 0-for-2. Cust also won the award last May, shortly after he came to the A's in a trade from San Diego.

Short hops

Reliever Keith Foulke threw two innings for Triple-A Sacramento on Monday against Iowa, giving up one run with three strikeouts and no walks. Foulke is scheduled to pitch for Single-A Stockton on Wednesday. Rich Harden is set to pitch for Stockton today in his second rehab start and could be activated after that. ... Outfielder Travis Buck went 1-for-3 with a run and two walks for Sacramento, playing seven innings in center field. ... It was reported in Monday's edition that A's closer Huston Street was charged with a balk for going to his mouth while still standing on the mound Sunday against Texas. Street was penalized with a ball being added to the count against Milton Bradley, but it was not considered a balk.

-- Joe Stiglich