Vielma replacement for Beckham if DL move is necessary

The Orioles are preparing to put infielder Tim Beckham on the 10-day disabled list while another injury strikes the roster.

Infielder Engelb Vielma is headed to Baltimore and officially could be recalled before tonight's series opener against the Rays at Camden Yards. The Tides were home last night and Vielma went 2-for-3 with a double.

Vielma was optioned on Friday to make room for left-hander Tanner Scott. Because he hasn't been down for the minimum 10 days, he can return only if he's replacing an injured player.

Beckham exited last night's game for a pinch-runner in the bottom of the eighth inning after tweaking his groin. Manager Buck Showalter said Beckham also has been bothered by soreness in his Achilles.

"I'll know a lot more tomorrow and after tonight, but it's a concern," Showalter said following a 2-1 loss to the Indians. "He's been kind of playing through a little bit of a sore Achilles, but I'm a little more concerned about the groin right now. Really, both of them."

Beckham was sidelined with a groin injury in spring training that threatened his availability on opening day. He's started every game this season and is batting .179/.247/.262 with four doubles, one home run, four RBIs and 28 strikeouts in 84 at-bats.

The disabled list already holds second baseman Jonathan Schoop, designated hitter Mark Trumbo, outfielder Colby Rasmus and pitcher Gabriel Ynoa. Closer Zach Britton is on the 60-day DL and eligible to return on May 28.

Luis Sardiñas has been filling in for Schoop at second base. He was on the bench last night while Beckham started at second and Danny Valencia played third.

Vielma would give the Orioles an extra infielder who's regarded as a plus-defender. He appeared in three games this month, starting once, and went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

No corresponding 40-man roster move is necessary with Vielma. The Orioles would need to clear a spot for Rubén Tejada.

Left fielder Trey Mancini is expected to return to the lineup tonight after leaving Friday night's game with a knee injury. He pinch-hit last night and struck out. However, the Orioles continue to work with a three-man bench and an extra reliever, an arrangement that will be difficult to sustain.

Trumbo is scheduled to play right field tonight at Double-A Bowie after going 1-for-3 with a walk last night, but his rehab assignment is expected to carry through the weekend after he joins Norfolk on Friday. Rasmus played catch yesterday from 120 feet and could start swinging a bat later in the week. Schoop worked out on the field yesterday, running and throwing, but he won't rush back from an oblique strain.

Valencia probably will get the start at third base again tonight against Rays right-hander Jake Faria, and Showalter could choose between Sardiñas and Vielma at second if Beckham is on the DL.