The Texas Rangers activated relief pitcher Jakob Junis from the 15 day injured list prior to last night’s game. To make room for Junis on the active roster, the Rangers designated pitcher Marco Gonzales for assignment, putting the Rangers’ 40 man roster at 39 players.
Junis, who has been the Rangers’ primary setup man this year, had last pitched on July 28 before going on the i.l. with an adductor strain. He had also missed the first half of July due to an i.l. stint for a hip impingement. Junis has a 2.63 ERA and 2.99 FIP in 41 innings this year, and given the Rangers’ shaky bullpen situation, him staying healthy and effective the rest of the way will be important for the Rangers’ hopes of staying in the playoff hunt.
Gonzales had come up in the second half of July to give the Rangers someone who could provide lengthy out of the bullpen. He made two appearances before being designated for assignment, clearing waivers, becoming a free agent, and then re-signing with the Rangers on a minor league deal. He started for Round Rock at Sacramento on August 9, and then threw an inning in relief for the Rangers in Sacramento on Friday, the day he was called up, though against the A’s rather than the River Cats.
I’m guessing Gonzales clears waivers again, and ends up getting re-signed by the Rangers to resume toiling for the Express.