Thu 3/15/12 12:43 PM

Daric Barton (shoulder) is expected to make his first start of the spring at first base during one of the Athletics' split-squad games on Saturday. The A's are easing Barton back into action following surgery last September to repair a partial labrum tear in his right shoulder. The 26-year-old went 0-for-3 with two walks as the DH on Monday in his spring debut.