HOUSTON -- Major League Baseball's Trade Deadline passed Monday afternoon, and just before closing time, the Rays sent infielder Timothy Beckham to the Orioles for Tobias Myers, an 18-year-old right-hander who was at short-season Class A Aberdeen of the New York-Penn League.
"Tim's played really well for us," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "We wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for him. Given the situation with Brad [Miller] and him both, we've got to get Brad going. And wanted to give him a little bit more a clear path to get going."
Miller, who has battled injuries this season, hit 30 home runs last year. Given the fact the Rays just acquired first baseman/DH Lucas Duda, the DH spot was getting cluttered. Putting Miller at second base going forward alleviates that somewhat.
Beckham, who was the first-overall pick in the 2008 Draft, was hitting .259 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs. He was replaced on the 25-man roster by infielder Taylor Featherston, who was recalled from Triple-A Durham.
"Just shocked," Beckham said. "I've been with one organization my entire career. Just happy to get the opportunity to play here every day this year. We've been having a good year as a team. I wish them the best of luck and I appreciate the fans who have been supporting me the whole way.
"... I'm on to a new chapter, and I'm looking forward to coming into town and playing the boys and competing against the boys. So I'm looking forward to it. ... Like I said, it's on to a new chapter and I look forward to helping Baltimore win some ballgames."
Myers was selected by the Orioles in the sixth round of the 2016 Draft out of Winter Haven (Fla.) High School is 2-2 with a 3.94 ERA in seven starts for Aberdeen this season.
Since July 23, the Rays have acquired four veteran players via trade: right-handers Steve Cishek and Sergio Romo, left-hander Dan Jennings and Duda. In addition, they acquired shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and infielder Trevor Plouffe. Still, Monday's news about Beckham getting traded wasn't a hit in the Rays' clubhouse.
"I assume he's going to be playing shortstop every day with a great infield [at Baltimore]," pitcher Chris Archer said. "So I'm happy for him personally, but I think it strips a little bit away from our team. He's helped us thrive and click to this point of the season."
Added Evan Longoria: "I guess we always hope that if we're giving up somebody whose been successful at the Major League level that you're getting somebody of similar caliber in return. I think it's hard for us to give good comment on things like that when we don't really know what's going on behind the scenes."
Miller, who will benefit most from the Beckham trade, said he had enjoyed playing with Beckham.
"I think Tim has a fire that we all have, and he definitely puts in the work," Miller said. "So I wish him all the best. They're going to get a guy who's a competitor and a guy that's going to handle his business."
As for getting back to being the everyday second baseman, where he began the season, Miller said he was "just looking forward to playing like I know I'm capable of."
"Everybody has different roadblocks throughout the year," said Miller, who had appeared in 61 games with 53 starts heading into Monday night's start. "I'm fortunate mine wasn't that serious and I'm still standing here ready to play. I'm just excited to play to my capability and really bring some energy and finish strong here."
When asked about the overall look the Rays have after the Trade Deadline, Cash sounded pleased.
"If you look at where we were 10 days ago, and you look at where we are now, we have a better team," Cash said.