Major League Baseball

Oakland's Ellis sidelined with inner-ear problem

Published Apr. 7, 2011 1:20 p.m. ET

foxsports

Oakland Athletics infielder Mark Ellis was held out of the lineup Thursday because of an inner-ear problem and dizziness.

Ellis had played in all five games for the Athletics so far this season, batting .211 with no home runs and four RBIs. Andy LaRoche replaced Ellis at second base.

A nine-year veteran who has spent his entire career with Oakland, Ellis started feeling discomfort during Thursday's 5-3 defeat. He was expected to be checked out by a Blue Jays team doctor.

Manager Bob Geren was unsure whether Ellis would be healthy enough to fly with the team to Minneapolis after Thursday afternoon's game. The Athletics open a three-game series against the Twins on Friday.