OAKLAND, Calif. — Gary Sanchez finished the Yankees’ 5-3 loss to the A’s on Thursday night one homer shy of 100 in 354 big-league games. The fastest players in history to 100 homers are Ryan Howard (325 games) and Ralph Kiner (376 games).

In 11 games since returning from a second stint on the IL (left groin) on Aug. 10, Sanchez has swung the bat better than he did in the 21 games before hitting the shelf.

After going 1-for-4 Thursday, Sanchez is hitting .275 (11-for-40) with four homers and eight RBIs since his return. Before going on the IL, Sanchez hit .118 (10-for-85) with a homer, six RBIs and a .370 OPS.

“His zone control is better,’’ Aaron Boone said. “When he controls the zone and swings at his pitches, he is as good as anyone in the world.’’