Athletics' Billy Burns: Out of lineup Friday

Burns is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Pirates.

Analysis:

Jake Smolinski will make his first career start in center field Friday. Burns didn't come out of the gates hot and his performance has only deteriorated as the season has worn on, with the 26-year-old managing just a 466 OPS and one steal in June. Friday's absence marks his fifth in the team's last 11 games.