Landon Powell said Sunday night that he has been demoted to Triple-A Sacramento.

The backup catcher said he was told that he was being sent down in order to get some at-bats; Powell is hitting .138 over his past 20 games. He hasn't been known for his offense, though. He's considered a strong defensive catcher, and the A's pitchers have raved about throwing to him. He caught Dallas Braden's perfect game last season.

The A's are expected to bring up Anthony Recker from Triple-A Sacramento, according to a team source. Recker, who would be making his big-league debut, is not on the 40-man roster, but the A's could place an injured player, such as Daric Barton (shoulder), on the 60-day disabled list. Recker, who turns 28 next week, is batting .287 with 16 homers for the River Cats. Catcher Josh Donaldson, who is on the 40-man roster, is batting .254 with 16 homers.

Powell spent all of the 2009 season in Oakland but was up and down last year. He still is likely to have Super Two status, which means he'd be arbitration-eligible after the season, and the A's often choose to non-tender arbitration-eligible backup players rather than re-sign them.

"I appreciate all the opportunities the A's have given me," Powell said. "I'd love to come back, if they want me. I love the pitchers, I love the team; it's a good organization."

Department of defense: The A's again took pregame infield practice in an attempt to shore up their defense, and second baseman Jemile Weeks and first baseman Brandon Allen responded by turning sparkling plays in the ninth inning. But Oakland lost three flyballs in the sun.

Briefly: Reliever Michael Wuertz, on the disabled list since July 30 with right thumb tendinitis, threw 20 pitches (fastballs and sliders) in a bullpen session - his first tosses off a mound. Sept. 2 is his targeted return date. ... Blue Jays manager John Farrell criticized the A's for not providing on-site X-rays at the Coliseum, forcing Adam Lind to go to a local hospital after being hit in the wrist Saturday night. "I'd like to think every stadium is equipped with that type of machinery," Farrell said.

Chronicle staff writer Rusty Simmons contributed to this report.

A'S ON DECK Today Off Tuesday at Yankees 4:05 p.m. CSNCA McCarthy (6-6) vs. Colon (8-7) Wednesday at Yankees 4:05 p.m. CSNCA Cahill (9-12) vs. Sabathia (17-7)