The veteran right hander was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday.

Loaiza thought he'd be with the Oakland Athletics another year or so.

"I'm very surprised," Loaiza said, as he exchanged good-byes with A's players. "I never thought I'd be traded. I'm not confused, I'm just shocked. I only had two starts. I thought I'd be here next year."

The A's are still responsible for $1 million dollars, but the Dodgers pick up his $6.5 million contract next year.

"We felt like it was an opportunity for some other guys in the organization to go forward," A's assistant general manager David Forst said. "It's not about salary as much as it is roster flexibility. We like some of the guys here, and now we have a chance to fill that spot with someone like Dallas Braden or Dan Meyer."

Loaiza was slated to pitch on Sunday, but Chad Gaudin may fill that spot instead. Braden may also make the start. He struck out 17 and threw a three-hit shutout for Triple-A Sacramento on Monday night.

Loaiza has spoken with the Dodgers and planned on getting to San Diego in time for the Dodgers' series opener against the Padres.

"There's a month left -- maybe two -- and I'll go and do my best," he said. "I'll stay focused and try to finish strong. L.A. is L.A. and I have to get down there to meet some new teammates."

Loaiza is excited about the prospects of joining the pennant race.

"I've been there before and I'm capable of doing what it takes to perform," he said.

The Marshall plan: Left-hander Jay Marshall is heading back to Arizona for some seasoning, and he couldn't be happier about it.

Marshall, a Rule 5 draftee, will play in the Arizona Fall League this year as a way to work on a few things in hopes of keeping the A's attention come Spring Training.

"I'm going specifically to work on my slider, and to work on getting left-handed hitters," said Marshall. "I've had my ups and downs -- mostly downs, lately -- but they asked me to go."

Marshall was acquired from the White Sox organization, where he was the Class A level.

All of a sudden, he was in his first big league training camp and really had nothing to lose. As a Rule 5 selection, he has to remain in the Majors all year or be offered back to the White Sox.

"There was some pressure, because I want to make a good impression," Marshall said. "I tried to make the perfect pitch every time. It's been a real good experience. Major League hitters are good. They're hard to get out."

He's 1-2 with a 6.81 ERA in 48 appearances. He's pitched 39 2/3 innings, being used mainly as a left-handed specialist.

"It was a great feeling going to big league camp," Marshall said. "[A's pitching coach Curt Young] called me during the offseason and told me not to put too much pressure on myself. I've been trying to remain calm."

Has it been easy?

"Not really," he said, "I still get nervous."

Ellis at the top: Second baseman Mark Ellis batted leadoff for just the third time on Wednesday. He's no stranger to that part of the order, though, with 180 career appearances there, his most at any spot.

Ellis, who also led off in the Minors and at the University of Florida, has been used throughout the lineup, and, frankly, doesn't care where he hits.

"He has flat out said it doesn't matter to him," A's manager Bob Geren said. "He has so many capabilities throughout the lineup and he's 100 percent flexible."

Ellis has batted in every spot of the order, including one appearance as the cleanup hitter and four in the No. 3 hole.

"He has an incredible baseball mind," Geren said.

Extra innings: Loaiza last took batting practice two years ago as a member of the Washington Nationals. ... Outfielder Travis Buck and Infielder Donnie Murphy are both expected to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday when rosters are expanded to 40. Buck (strained left hamstring) did some running for the first time on Wednesday, while Murphy (strained rib cage muscle) took the day off after taking some swings on Tuesday. ... "Pitching is something that's always needed," Geren said about roster expansion.

Up next: Right-hander Joe Blanton (11-9, 3.92) will be looking for some redemption against the Detroit Tigers on Friday. The Tigers have pounded him for 14 runs in 10 2/3 innings in two starts this year. He'll be opposed by Chad Durbin (8-6, 4.79) in a 7:05 p.m. PT start.