MESA, Ariz. - Manager Bob Melvin returned to the Bay Area on Friday morning to attend to a personal matter and bench coach Mark Kotsay will handle managerial duties in his absence.

“Bob is meticulous in preparation, so everything is status quo,” Kotsay said. “We have our work day planned, the lineup was already set. I’m just filling in until he gets back.”

When it comes to in-game moves, don’t expect Kotsay to buck any trends. “In-game management, Bob has mentored me for a year and I know how he does things,” Kotsay said. “I don’t think there will be any drastic changes. It’s spring training, so everything is pretty basic.”

Kotsay, the former Oakland outfielder, managed one A’s split-squad game last spring, coming out with a win. The 41-year-old, who is in his second season as Melvin’s right-hand man, retired in 2014 after a 17-year big-league career. He spent two seasons on the Padres’ coaching staff, serving as hitting coach in 2016 before being hired by the A’s.

The A’s play the Royals in Surprise, Ariz., on Friday night and they have home day games against the Rangers and Cubs over the weekend.

Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sslusser@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @susanslusser