Infielder Barreto gets chance in the outfield

MESA, Ariz. — Second baseman Franklin Barreto once was the top prospect in the A’s organization, but he hasn’t been able to win a position at the bigleague level.

Jed Lowrie was the second baseman in recent years, and Jurickson Profar will play the position this year.

Where does that leave Barreto?

Saturday, he was the starting left fielder.

“I view it as an opportunity to be in the lineup,” Barreto said through interpreter Fernando Alcala. “Whether it’s the infield or the outfield, my goal is to be in the lineup.”

The A’s, in their everlasting pursuit of versatility, want to see how Barreto plays in the outfield, which could lead to a utility role. Barreto looked good Saturday — his only issue was with the sun — and was told he’ll get a game in center.

“Obviously, I was a little nervous out there, first time playing outfield in the U.S.,” said Barreto, noting he played the outfield in winter league. “The hardest part was the sunshine. There was a little bit of uncertainty, but overall I felt good.

“I think it opens doors for me.”

Davis calf injury: A’s designated hitter Khris Davis is shelved because of a left calf strain and will miss at least a few more days.

Davis has had the calf issue off and on since training camp

Dustin Fowler’s

tripled and scored on groundout to break a 5-5 tie in the ninth. Mateo’s speed wowed the tiny gathering (announced crowd: 3,906). He said he knew on contact he’d try for a triple . ... scored Oakland’s first run, doubling in the first inning and coming around on single . ... hit a solo homer . ... Four key relievers,

and got an inning apiece. Treinen and Trivino threw blanks.

“I felt amazing, man. This is easily the best I’ve felt in years. I'm really excited for this year and expect a lot out of myself just because of how good I really feel."

— who gave up a run on two hits in his first Cactus League start

Quotable:

Chris Bassitt,

Sunday’s game:

Ramon Laureano

Royals at A’s, 12:05 p.m. opened, manager Bob Melvin said.

“We’re not in any hurry to get him in there right now,” Melvin said. “We want to make sure he’s 100 percent before we get him in the lineup.”

Davis has hit and done baseball work since camp opened but not in the past couple of days.

“We felt like we were making some strides, and (then) it bothered him a little bit,” Melvin said. “Whether the cold has something to do with it, probably. But

Matt Olson’s

Fernando Yusmeiro Petit,

we think it’s a mild thing.”

Davis, who signed a one-year deal last month for $16.5 million, his final year of arbitration eligibility, led the big leagues last year with 48 homers and has a majors-high 133 over the past three seasons.

He’ll be a free agent after the season, and the A’s have discussed a long-term contract.

John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer.