Rangers recall OF Michael Choice from Round Rock
LHP Alex Claudio optioned to Round Rock; Two more Draft picks sign
Arlington, Texas - The Texas Rangers announced today that outfielder Michael Choice has been recalled from Triple-A Round Rock and will be active for tonight's game against Oakland.
To make room for Choice on the active roster, left-handed pitcher Alex Claudio has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.
Choice (#15) is making his first major league appearance of 2015. The right-handed hitter has spent the entire year with Round Rock, batting .242 with 7 home runs, 15 doubles, and 33 RBI in 61 games. Over his last 11 games at Triple-A beginning June 11, Choice has posted a .400 (16-40) average with 2 home runs, 10 RBI, and 7 runs scored. He has a .455 on-base percentage and .650 slugging mark in that span. His last game for the Express was Monday night vs. Iowa, when he went 2-for-4 with a double, grand slam, and 6 RBI.
Acquired from Oakland in December 2013, Choice has a career major league average of .188 with 9 HR and 36 RBI in 95 games with the A's and Rangers.
Claudio is 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 18 appearances over two stints with the Rangers this season. He has appeared in 2 games since his latest recall from Round Rock on June 19, allowing one run in 2.0 IP.
In addition, OF Josh Hamilton will be transferred from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock on his rehab assignment effective Thursday. Hamilton began his rehab assignment today at Frisco, going 1-for-3 as the DH. He has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 4 (retroactive to June 1) with a right hamstring strain.
DRAFT PICKS SIGN: The Rangers have signed two more selections from the 2015 First Year Player Draft, 25th round pick RHP DeMarcus Evans from Petal (MS) High School and the 28th round selection, 2B Blaine Prescott from Midland (TX) College. The Rangers now have 32 of the 40 players selected in the 2015 Draft under contract.