The Rangers continued Wednesday to churn the back end of their roster, adding Taylor Teagarden and Brett Tomko, optioning Michael Kirkman to Triple-A Round Rock, and placing Mason Tobin on the disabled list. Teagarden has played just six games for Round Rock, but he is off to a quick .389/.476/.944 start. Tomko has a 6.35 ERA through two starts and 11.1 innings.
The net of the moves is a normalized roster, as Teagarden gives the team a fourth bench member and more flexibility to use Mike Napoli at designated hitter without risk. Texas is also back to two left-handed relievers among their now seven-man bullpen, and they have more deep options with Tomko added to veteran Dave Bush.
Kirkman will likely rejoin the Express rotation. Tobin’s outlook is more clouded, as he remains under the restrictions of MLB’s Rule 5 draft rules. Because he is on the disabled list, the Rangers will be able to use him in the minors on a rehab assignment when he’s healthy. Tomko’s addition to the 40-man roster means that the Rangers will have to clear a spot. They do still have injured minor league pitchers who can be transferred from the 15-day list to the 60-day list.