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NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 07: Carlos Beltran #36 of the New York Yankees in action against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Yankee Stadium on June 7, 2015 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Angels 6-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Yankees activate Beltran, option Refsnyder to Triple-A

Before the final game of a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday afternoon in the Bronx, the New York Yankees announced that they have activated outfielder Carlos Beltran from the disabled list.

Beltran, who has been sidelined since June 30 with a left oblique strain, has completed his rehab assignment and is set to rejoin the Yankees lineup. On Sunday afternoon, Beltran will hit sixth and play right field as the Yankees will go against Mariners’ ace Felix Hernandez.

The 38-year-old struggled mightily early on during the 2015 season, but has picked it up since May 1, hitting .299 with 7 home runs and 23 RBIs. In his 66 games this season, Beltran has posted a slash line of .260/.309/.430.

In a corresponding move, the Yankees optioned second baseman Rob Refsnyder to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. With the Yankees having a surplus of middle infielders on the active roster, it was very likely that one would be moved off the roster to clear a space for Beltran upon his return.

According to General Manager Brian Cashman, the team didn’t want to release any players at this time, as they want to “keep all players at the moment.” Cashman also added that Refsnyder would be back with the big league club at some point, saying that he wanted to keep all options at his disposal through the July 31 trade deadline.

The move of Refsnyder might come as a surprise, especially because the 24-year-old has started all four games since he was called up to the big leagues. Although he was just 2-13 in those four games, the young prospect showed he could handle the big stage, picking up his first big league hit and major league home run in Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox.

With the move of Refsnyder back to Triple-A, Stephen Drew will likely take over the starting second baseman position once again. Veteran Brendan Ryan will get the opportunity to be the team’s back-up infielder for the time being, but if either one continues to struggle offensively, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Refsnyder getting a call back to the big leagues in the near future.