NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees have activated Carlos Beltran from the 15-day disabled list and inserted him into the starting lineup Sunday against Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners.
In somewhat of a surprise move, the Yankees optioned second baseman Rob Refsnyder to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre a day after manager Joe Girardi said the touted prospect would get more playing time.
Beltran last played June 30 because of an oblique strain. He set to play right field and bat seventh Sunday.
"I did everything they asked me to," Beltran said. "Everything went well."
Refsnyder was 2 for 12 with a homer in four games with the Yankees, who also have veterans Brendan Ryan and Stephen Drew to play the infield.
"I wasn't expecting this," the Korean-born 24-year-old said. "I'm the low man on the totem pole."