For the first time, the Oakland Athletics face a future without Bartolo Colon on Thursday night when they meet the Tampa Bay Rays in Florida. Colon, who was suspended 50 games for testing positive for testosterone, was scheduled to pitch the series opener.

The first pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. PT on Thursday, and recently recalled Tyson Ross (2-8, 6.35) will take the mound for Oakland in Colon's place. The Rays will counter with pitcher Alex Cobb (7-8, 4.74).

Third baseman Brandon Inge remains out as manager Bob Melvin remains cautious about bringing him back too soon from a sprained shoulder.

Melvin says #Athletics want to make sure Inge is fully healthy before return - they don't want this to wind up a surgical possibility.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 23, 2012

Oakland Athletics (67-56)

1. Coco Crisp, CF

2. Stephen Drew, SS

3. Josh Reddick, RF

4. Yoenis Cespedes, LF

5. Chris Carter, 1B

6. Seth Smith, DH

7. Josh Donaldson, 3B

8. Derek Norris, C

9. Cliff Pennington, 2B

Tampa Bay Rays (69-55)

1. Sam Fuld, LF

2. B.J. Upton, CF

3. Matt Joyce, RF

4. Evan Longoria, 3B

5. Ben Zobrist, SS

6. Jeff Keppinger, 1B

7. Luke Scott, DH

8. Ryan Roberts, 2B

9. Jose Molina, C

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