Beckham activated, optioned to Triple-A

ST. PETERSBURG -- Infielder Tim Beckham was reinstated off the 15-day disabled list on Saturday and optioned to Triple-A Durham.

Beckham, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 Draft, suffered a strained right hamstring while running out a ground ball in a 3-0 win over the Orioles on May 30. He was placed on the disabled list the next day.

"We optioned him to get some consistent at-bats," said manager Kevin Cash, who noted that Beckham could see some time in the outfield. "He's going to go down there, he's going to play second base, shortstop, mix in at third. We might even introduce him to the outfield a little bit just to add to his versatility. And when he does get back up here, there will be that much more opportunity for him to get into the lineup."

Beckham has hit .213 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 37 games this season.

"I thought Beck did a nice job in some limited time for us," Cash said, "but it is time for him to get some consistent playing time. The way the roster is right now, he probably wasn't going to get that right now."