BALTIMORE -- Timothy Beckham returned to the Orioles on Monday, as the third baseman -- who was activated off the disabled list prior to the series opener against Seattle -- gives Baltimore something it hasn't had all season: its entire projected starting lineup.
"For me, it's an exciting feeling," Beckham said of the O's being as close to full strength as they have been all year.
"Our record doesn't look good right now, but we have a really good ballclub. For everyone to be healthy and in the lineup tonight, it's a good feeling. Like I said earlier, the team's been playing really well. Our record might not show it, but from what I've seen on TV and watching the Atlanta series [during which Baltimore took two of three], it looks like everyone is starting to have fun again and bringing some good energy."
Beckham, limited to just 23 games this year, underwent core surgery in late April. The 28-year-old, who worked hard this spring to move from shortstop to third base, struggled like most of the Orioles' lineup. Beckham hit .179 with one homer and four RBIs before going on the DL.
Beckham's return should help stabilize the left side of Baltimore's infield. That coupled with Chris Davis' emergence in the lineup could see the O's carry over some momentum from the road series in Atlanta.
In corresponding moves, the Orioles optioned left-hander Donnie Hart to Triple-A Norfolk and infielder Luis Sardinas (left ankle sprain) was transferred to the 60-day DL.