A's send Weeks down to minors

A's second baseman Jemile Weeks, who had an outstanding rookie season last year and was considered a cornerstone of the team, was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, clearing a spot for newly acquired shortstop Stephen Drew.

Weeks hit .303 last season and was the A's regular second baseman for most of this season. But he is hitting just .220 this year.

"For some reason, I feel like I was prepared for this news," he told the Bay Area News Group.

Drew, acquired Monday from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a minor-leaguer, is starting at shortstop hitting second for the A's Tuesday night. Adam Rosales will start at second base.

The A's also activated Seth Smith from the disabled list, and placed reliever Jordan Norberto on the DL.