Rangers place RHP Alexi Ogando on 15-day disabled list; recall LHP Michael Kirkman from Triple-A Round Rock

Arlington, Texas - The Texas Rangers announced this morning that right-handed pitcher Alexi Ogando has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Monday, with a right groin strain.  To take his place on the 25-man roster, the club has recalled left-handed pitcher Michael Kirkman (#44) from Triple-A Round Rock.  The Rangers have not named a probable starter for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Ogando made his first start of the year on Sunday at San Francisco, retiring all 9 batters faced before exiting the game with the groin injury following his bunt single in the top of the fourth inning.  He is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA (8 ER/34.2 IP) in 28 games/one start for Texas this season, posting 35 strikeouts against just 7 walks.  The first date he would be eligible to return is June 26.

Kirkman, 25, has gone 5-1 with a 5.25 ERA (28 ER/48.0 IP) in 15 games/8 starts for Round Rock (AAA) this season.  Pacific Coast League opponents have batted .266 (47-177) with 5 homers, 31 walks, and 48 strikeouts.  Over his last 7 games/5 starts with the Express beginning May 6, Kirkman is 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA (12 ER/32.0 IP), holding the opposition to a .191 (21-110) average with 19 walks and 33 strikeouts.  He last pitched on June 7 at Omaha, tossing 1.0 inning of scoreless relief.  Kirkman has had stints in the majors with Texas each of the past two seasons, going 1-1 with a  4.74 ERA (23 ER/43.2 IP) over 29 relief appearances in his big league career in 2010-11.

With these moves, the Rangers still have a full 40-man roster.