A's activate Mark Ellis, but Jemile Weeks keeps second base job

NEW YORK -- The A's have officially made a switch from veteran Mark Ellis to rookie Jemile Weeks as their starting second baseman, manager Bob Melvin confirmed before Wednesday's game against the New York Mets.

Ellis was activated from the 15-day disabled list, and it was assumed that Weeks might hold on to the job considering he is hitting .362 with 10 runs and four stolen bases in 13 games since being promoted from the minors.

Ellis, the longest tenured Athletic who holds the Oakland record for games played as a second baseman (1,021), is likely to see time at first and third base as well as second as a utility infielder.

He took the news in stride about being relegated to the bench and said it's best for the team that Weeks remains in the lineup.

"It's different, I'm not going to lie," Ellis said. "But Jemile has played great and added a spark for this team."


(mercurynews.com)