ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) " Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez has a herniated disk and could be facing career-ending surgery if he injuries his back again.
Chavez, rehabbing in Arizona, was moved from the 15- to 60-day disabled list Tuesday. He was placed on the DL May 1 with a strained right forearm, a move retroactive to April 25. He experienced back spasms May 10 and underwent an MRI exam one day later.
"We're at a pretty serious point," Athletics assistant general manager David Forst said before Tuesday night's game against Tampa Bay. "We're doing everything we can medically to get him back on the field."
Chavez was limited to just 113 games over the 2007-08 seasons due to back problems, and was recently informed about the herniated disk. He was told the disk could go out at anytime, which would require career-ending surgery. He could require a spinal fusion procedure later in his life.
"Pretty much game, set and match," Chavez told The San Francisco Chronicle. "It's disheartening. It was kind of the worst-case scenario. I've just got to be careful now. It goes beyond baseball."
Chavez is hopeful of returning this season, but it will be at least five weeks before that might happen.
"He's optimistic," Athletics manager Bob Geren said.
Chavez has three hits in 30 at-bats over eight games this season.
"He needs to recover from this in order to play," Forst said.
Also, injured infielder Nomar Garciaparra, out since April 29 with a strained right calf, could be activated from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday.
"It is getting better," Geren said. "He's close."
The Athletics made several other roster moves on Tuesday, including purchasing the contracts of right-handers Edgar Gonzalez and Chris Schroder from Triple-A Sacramento. Pitchers Sean Gallagher and Gio Gonzalez were optioned to Sacramento.
Edgar Gonzalez could take Gallagher's spot in the rotation and start Saturday's game against Arizona.
Minor league outfielder Javier Herrera was released to make room on the 40-man roster. Oakland plans to try and re-sign Herrera, who will likely undergo season-ending shoulder shortly, to a minor league deal.
Backup catcher Landon Powell, who hurt an hamstring running out a ninth-inning grounder Monday night, was sore but available off the bench.
Minor league catcher Curtis Thigpen, sidelined by a back injury, is set to join Oakland's extended spring training team, while Sacramento catcher Joel Galarraga went on the DL with a right shoulder strain.