Danny Valencia (hamstring) is expected to return to the lineup Friday against Baltimore, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Valencia (hamstring) is expected to return to the lineup Friday against Baltimore, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Analysis:

The veteran third baseman will set out on a three-game rehab stint this week, which will be the final hurdle for him to clear before rejoining the A's. He suffered a left hamstring strain on April 20 and was subsequently placed on the DL, but the A's current timetable for him suggests that Valencia won't be on the disabled much longer than the minimum 15 days.