A day after Ben Zobrist was activated from the disabled list, Sean Doolittle was added to the roster. Zobrist is hitting third and playing second base, his first game in a month — he had been rehabbing from left knee surgery and was 5-for-16 in a five-game rehab assignment.

Doolittle made five appearances in his rehab, giving up five earned runs in five innings with Class A Stockton, Double-A Midland and Triple-A Nashville.

“These are very important guys for us,” manager Bob Melvin said. “You lose your No. 3 hitter and closer, it’s going to take its toll on you. Not only production-wise should we be better but also psychologically, two of our better players complementing 25 guys, making us feel better about who you are.”

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Doolittle said he feels “more like a complete pitcher” after working extensively on his changeup and slider while missing the first two months of the season.

  • Oakland A's Ben Zobrist during Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, on Monday, February 23, 2015. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
    Oakland A's Ben Zobrist during Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, on Monday, February 23, 2015.
    Oakland A's Ben Zobrist during Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, on Monday, February 23, 2015.
    Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Oakland A's Ben Zobrist during Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, on Monday, February 23, 2015.
Oakland A's Ben Zobrist during Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, on Monday, February 23, 2015.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

“I’m not going to reinvent the wheel. I’m not going to throw knuckleballs and spit balls,” said Doolittle, who won’t immediately assume his closer’s role, which has been assumed by Tyler Clippard, who converted four of his first five save opportunities.

With Doolittle’s velocity not up to par yet, his off-speed pitches could be a big part of his repertoire.

“I know he feels better about the other pitches, so you could see a different complement from him,” manager Bob Melvin said. “If you throw 97 mph, all you have to do is show it every now and then to put a doubt in someone’s head. But if you’re not throwing that hard and sometimes when you’re coming back in the fashion he is right now, it might be more important for him to use all his pitches.”

Doolittle said he’s excited to join the bullpen, adding, “I’ve been watching these guys work their butts off for two month. The last three or four games, they’ve been playing real well, and my job is to not screw that up and try to keep that momentum going and hopefully we can start rolling.”

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With both the A’s and Warriors playing home games Wednesday, the A’s are encouraging fans to use public transportation. Parking will be $20 until 1 p.m. and $40 after. First pitch is 12:35 p.m. Tipoff is 6 p.m.

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Ron Washington, who returned to the A’s as an extra coach, worked with shortstop Marcus Semien (17 errors) before the game. “I’m having fun. He’s having fun, too,” Washington said.

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Semien is third among American League shortstops in All-Star voting. The first week’s results were announced this morning. Stephen Vogt is second among catchers.

“It shows fans are supporting you. It’s an honor to have my name on the list, let alone up there near the top. I’m thankful fans are voting. It’s pretty cool,” said Vogt, who’s batting .307 with 10 homers and 33 RBIs. He’s third in the league in slugging percentage (.598).

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Vogt is at first base tonight. He and Josh Reddick have played a lot lately, including on the Rays’ artificial turf, and Melvin didn’t want to rest both left-handed hitters against David Price.

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The lineup: CF Burns, SS Semien, 2B Zobrist, DH Butler, 1B Vogt, LF Canha, 3B Lawrie, C Phegley. RF Fuld. RH Chavez on the hill.

John Shea is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: [email protected]. Twitter @JohnSheaHey