"Hideki Matsui hit career home run No. 499, combined between Japan and the major leagues, on June 16, and he has not hit one since.

That has led to speculation that, like former Yankees teammate Derek Jeter - who recorded career hit No. 3,000 at Yankee Stadium - Matsui might hit his milestone blast at New York this week. Matsui spent his first seven big-league seasons with the Yankees and had his best years there, including 2009, when he was World Series MVP.

Matsui said through translator Roger Kahlon that he is not frustrated by the lack of homers the past month, but he can't say the same for his swing overall.

"I have not been able to get to the point where I'm satisfied with my hitting mechanics at the plate," Matsui said. "That's where the frustration is. If I can do that, I know the home runs will come eventually."

Asked to describe the mechanical issues, Matsui said, "To put it really simply, it's balance. When it's there, it translates to better at-bats. And that aspect right now is better than it had been."

Matsui drove in a season-high three runs Sunday, starting Oakland's scoring in an eight-run first inning with a two-run single."