NEW YORK (AP) — The Oakland Athletics have activated second baseman Mark Ellis from the 15-day disabled list and optioned slumping first baseman Daric Barton to Triple-A Sacramento.
Ellis was placed on the DL with a hamstring strain on June 7. With the A’s on a six-game winning streak, manager Bob Melvin kept streaking rookie second baseman Jemile Weeks in the lineup for their game against the New York Mets on Wednesday night.
Melvin said Ellis, Oakland’s longest-tenured player, will work out at second base, third base and first base so he can get more playing time.
Barton was hitting just .212 without a homer and 21 RBIs in 67 games. His slugging percentage of .267 was second lowest in the majors. He has committed eight errors, which leads all big league first baseman.
