Eric Sogard played in his first game since July 12 on Sunday and had two hits and an RBI, but his roster spot remains iffy in the coming weeks - especially as the A's explore second-base options via the trade market.

Nick Franklin, pushed out of a big-league job when the Mariners signed Robinson Cano, is a top target, but the question will be whether Seattle - currently in a playoff spot - would want to strengthen a division rival, and whether the A's, fresh off trading top prospects Addison Russell and Billy McKinney, would have enough in the cupboard to land him.

The price tag for Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist is thought to be too high, plus the Rays have started to play well enough that they might think they're back in the race.

Then there is the big fish: Chase Utley of the Phillies, though he is expensive. Utley - who lives in San Francisco in the offseason - is making $10 million this year and is scheduled to make $10 million next year, but it jumps to $15 million if he is not on the disabled list with knee issues this season. He has automatic vesting options at $15 million per pop each of the three following years if he makes 500 plate appearances the previous season.

Utley also can turn down any trade; asked by The Chronicle about the possibility of going to Oakland while in Minneapolis for the All-Star Game last week, Utley said, "I haven't even thought about it."

One of the Phillies' top scouts, special assistant Charlie Kerfeld, was at the A's game Sunday. The Orioles also are looking for a second baseman.

Even after Alberto Callaspo went on the disabled list, Sogard's playing time has remained limited, and Callaspo is expected back from a hamstring strain at the end of the month.

Sogard has been trying to stay prepared as best he can. "I just have to do some extra work, try to stay sharp," Sogard said. Sogard likes to stand in while A's pitchers throw bullpen sessions to watch pitches.

The Sogards spent the All-Star break moving: Their home in Oakland was robbed while the A's were in Seattle and because it happened during the day, there is suspicion the thieves knew when the house was going to be empty because of the team's schedule.

Monday Off Tuesday vs. Astros 7:05 p.m. CSNCA Oberholtzer (2-7) vs. Kazmir (11-3) Wednesday vs. Astros 7:05 p.m. CSNCA Peacock (3-6) vs. Chavez (7-6)