"Frustration is mounting for the A's designated hitter Hideki Matsui, who for the second straight day wasn't in the lineup against a New York Yankees right-handed starter.

Matsui went 0 for 3 on Monday, dropping his average in May to .197, and he is hitting just .222 with three homers and 19 RBIs this season. Manager Bob Geren said he has better options. Matsui was in the on-deck circle to pinch-hit when the game ended Wednesday.

"He's struggling a little bit right now, and we've got a couple of other guys swinging the bat pretty good," Geren said. "I fully expect him to be fine and contribute and have a fine second half."

Matsui didn't question the manager's benching but maintained it's going to be challenging to work through his slump if he's not in the lineup on a regular basis.

"Obviously, not being able to play is kind of a difficult situation where in order to get out of a slump, you have to play," Matsui said through interpreter Roger Kahlon. "But if you're not playing, then it's hard to get out of it. It's one of those Catch-22 situations."

Did it hurt not to be playing against his old teammates the past two days?"