OAKLAND -- Athletics outfielder Travis Buck has struggled so far this season, carrying a .154 batting average with no home runs in 65 at-bats. Oakland manager Bob Geren doesn't think it has anything to do with the shin splints that have been bothering Buck.

"It's something that has been on and off for him since Spring Training," Geren said.

It was enough of a problem for Buck to sit out Saturday's game against the visiting Royals, marking fourth missed game this season. The leadoff hitter has been all but invisible in eight home games this year, with one hit in 33 at bats for an .030 home mark.

Although it was Travis Buck Bobblehead Day at McAfee Coliseum on Saturday, Buck was given the day off. This followed Friday night's game, in which the Arizona State product batted eighth for the first time this year and contributed a sacrifice fly.

"It's just one of those things I have to worry about and fight through," Buck said of the injury. "I don't feel it when I'm batting; only when I'm playing in the outfield."

A's catcher Kurt Suzuki was back in the leadoff spot for the second straight day, after batting no higher than seventh in the batting order this season.