General Manager Bob Geren said on the Athletics' Web site that Foulke "experienced similar discomfort a couple of weeks ago."

Geren told Foulke after a bull-pen throwing session Thursday the roster move would be made before the holiday weekend came to a close.

"So with the All-Star break coming up (in 10 days), let's get it right," Geren said.

This is the second time this season Foulke has been placed on the DL. He missed time from April 11-May 9 with neck stiffness and pitched in only two of Oakland's last 12 games in his return.

Foulke, 35, is 0-3 with a 3.81 ERA in 26 relief appearances and is the 17th Oakland player sent to the DL this season.

Oakland has re-called southpaw Jerry Blevins from its Class AAA minor league affiliate at Sacramento.