Rangers add RHP Ryan Dempster to active 25-man roster; Option LHP Martin Perez to Triple-A Round Rock

Arlington, Texas - The Texas Rangers announced this afternoon that the club has added right-handed pitcher Ryan Dempster (#46) to the active 25-man roster.  To make room for Dempster, the team has optioned left-handed pitcher Martin Perez to Triple-A Round Rock.  Dempster will wear uniform number 46, and left-handed pitcher Robbie Ross will begin wearing number 28 for tonight's game.

Dempster, 35, was acquired yesterday in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.  He is the Rangers' scheduled starter for tomorrow night's series finale against the Angels.  Dempster has gone 5-5 with a 2.25 ERA (26 ER/104.0 IP) in 16 games/starts for the Cubs this season.  Opponents have batted .210 (81-386) with 27 walks and 83 strikeouts.  He ranks second in the National League this season in ERA and opponents batting average, and compiled the longest scoreless streak in the majors this season spanning 33.0 innings from June 5-July 14.  Dempster went 5-2 with a 1.40 ERA (7 ER/45.0 IP) in his final 7 starts with the Cubs spanning a stint on the disabled list.

Dempster originally signed with the Texas organization after being selected in the third round of the 1995 June draft.  He has a career record of 117-121 with a 4.31 ERA over 535 games/310 starts with Florida (1998-2002), Cincinnati (2002-03), and Chicago-NL (2004-12).  He is a two-time All-Star (2000 & 2008).

Perez appeared in 2 games with one start since being recalled on July 23.  He tossed a scoreless 9th inning in relief to finish last night's loss.  He is 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA (9 ER/20.0 IP) over 6 games/3 starts spanning 2 stints with Texas this season, his first career major league action.

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