Minor League veteran Rodriguez gets called up

ARLINGTON -- Infielder Guilder Rodriguez, a 14-year Minor League veteran who has spent the past six years shuttling between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock and Oklahoma City, was called up from Double-A on Sunday.

Rodriguez's arrival comes after playing in 1,095 Minor League games in the Brewers and the Rangers systems. A native of Venezuela, Rodriguez was signed by the Brewers in 2001 and acquired by the Rangers in 2008. The switch-hitter batted .281 in 90 games combined between Frisco and Round Rock.

"It's unbelievable," Rodriguez said. "It's a very exciting time in my career. When you sign to play professional baseball, we all want to play in the big leagues. Not too many people have the opportunity. I just thank God for this."

This is more than a courtesy callup. Rodriguez has been a mentor to the Rangers' young infielders during their time in the system. He is up here to help Luis Sardinas and Rougned Odor.

"He's just a true professional," Rangers interim manager Tim Bogar said. "He is basically a player-coach and a really good influence on the young Latin players. He has been a big brother to Rougned and Sardinas their whole careers. We see him in the clubhouse perking them up and having influence to get them to do the right thing."