A’s Bob Melvin: Raiders move might give his guys a cushier clubhouse

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Following Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, the A’s will have Thursday off and head home for Friday night’s weekend series opener against the Seattle Mariners.

But before the A’s met the Rays for the final time, pregame talk turned to the club’s potential new home — the proposed 34,000-seat Oakland Ballpark at Jack London Square that could open as early as 2023.

The Rays, who have a lease at the Trop through 2027, are scuffling with their future ballpark plans after the club pulled away from a proposed site in Ybor City near downtown Tampa.

A’s manager Bob Melvin said a potential new ballpark is a distant issue that shouldn’t work its way into the 2019 clubhouse.

“We’ve been dealing with it a long time,’’ Melvin said. “It looks as if we’re headed in the right direction. I think that’s still 2023 at the earliest, so our guys have to understand where we are is where we are.

“Our playing surface is terrific. It’s an old place as far as the inside stuff for us and guys just have to realize that’s what we have to deal with. I think if you’re looking too far out then maybe that’s not the proper thing to do.’’

Melvin said he’s looking forward to potential improvements at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum.

“Maybe if the Raiders end up moving (to Las Vegas) after this year, then we can expand a little bit in our clubhouse to create some more space and better space inside,’’ Melvin said. “It is what it is. I think if you’re keeping yourself bothered with it, then it’s probably not the right way to go. That’s what my rhetoric is.’’

Pitching Plans

Melvin hasn’t determined how to use right-hander Tanner Anderson, who took a shutout into the sixth inning during his major-league starting debut on Monday night.

“We’re going to use (Chris) Bassitt, (Frankie) Montas and TBA and figure out what we need to do after today,’’ Melvin said. “We’ll slot him in somewhere.’’

Injury Report

Melvin said catcher Chris Hermann (right knee surgery, on injured list since March 17) will begin a rehabilitation assignment Thursday at Triple-A Las Vegas. He’s expected to catch five innings.

Meanwhile, top A’s left-handed pitching prospects A.J. Puk (coming off Tommy John surgery) and Jesus Luzardo (shoulder strain) had productive outings with Class-A Stockton on Tuesday night.

Puk worked two innings, striking out four and walking one. He allowed one hit, a solo home run by Giants prospect Heliot Ramos. Luzardo tossed three scoreless innings, allowing two singles, while striking out two.

“They looked great,’’ Melvin said. “Puk’s first four pitches were 99 (mph) from what I understand. An easy 99. And Luzardo was at 97, so everybody was pretty happy with the way things went.’’

What’s next for Puk and Luzardo?

“Just incremental progress,’’ Melvin said.