Hamels could return to rotation on Monday

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Rangers have optioned pitcher Nick Martinez to Triple-A Round Rock to make room for Chi Chi Gonzalez. The move suggests that Cole Hamels could be ready to return to the rotation on Monday against the Mariners.

Hamels is sidelined with a sore left groin muscle. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Saturday to test the muscle and that will give the Rangers a better idea of when he will be able to pitch.

"That's my expectation," general manager Jon Daniels said. "We'll know more when he throws this weekend. He has shown some improvement so we're hoping he can start on Monday."

Gonzalez was called up to fill in for Hamels, who was originally scheduled to pitch on Thursday. The Rangers were forced to make a roster move and they wanted to keep their bullpen intact. By sending down Martinez, that means Gonzalez has a chance to remain in the rotation for more than one start.

Martinez was optioned after allowing seven runs, four earned, in 3 2/3 innings against the Twins on Wednesday. He is 7-7 with a 4.09 ERA after 21 starts for the Rangers.

"We still view him as a promising young starter," Daniels said. "The big leagues are hard. It's hard to go wire to wire. We need him in the future. We'll need him this year."

The moves also suggest there is a spot for Derek Holland in the rotation when he comes off the disabled list. Holland is on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his left shoulder and is scheduled to make his fourth start on medical rehabilitation assignment on Friday for Round Rock. Daniels suggested he'll likely need at least one more start after that.