Players get word: Got to be versatile

The A’s had a hitters-only meeting Friday, and manager Bob Melvin gave his annual message about versatility.

In other words, be open to different lineups day to day.

“They are aware, especially the newer guys, how we do things a little bit differently around here,” Melvin said.

Melvin doesn’t have as many interchangeable parts as in the past, but there still are plenty. Among the everyday guys, Ryon Healy will be moved around the most, as a first baseman, third baseman and designated hitter.

Mark Canha will platoon in right field with Matt Joyce, but also be available to play left and first. Adam Rosales can play pretty much anywhere.

Yonder Alonso, who swings left-handed, will share first base with Healy, but Melvin said it’s possible Alonso could play against some lefties, too.

“We take everything into consideration,” said Melvin, noting he has more right-handed hitters this season. Casilla reappears: Santiago Casilla pitched at China Basin for the first time since he was a Giant and threw a scoreless inning. He said he was confident with all his pitches but felt a little tightness in his left thigh, which he said is no big deal.

“You’re reminded of your moments,” Casilla said of pitching in San Francisco, where he won three World Series rings. “That time came back to me.” New gig for Eckersley: Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley was named special assistant to the president, David Kaval, who said in a statement that Eckersley “joins Rickey Henderson in an alumni ambassador role where he will help advise the club and represent us at community and fan events.”

In a tweet, Eckersley said he’ll continue as a Red Sox TV analyst and do “a few alumni appearances” for the A’s. Briefly: Melvin will meet with his relievers Saturday to discuss roles and presumably appoint a closer . ... Khris Davis (quadriceps) and Trevor Plouffe (groin) played for the first time since March 22 and March 25, respectively.