Pierzynski activated from DL, back in lineup

ARLINGTON -- A.J. Pierzynski was activated off the disabled list on Tuesday after missing two weeks with a strained oblique muscle in his right ribcage. The catcher went right into the starting lineup on Tuesday night vs. the A's.

The Rangers' biggest concern is keeping the muscle from becoming a recurring problem. At this point, they are hoping the two weeks off allowed Pierzynski to put the problem behind him.

"Right now, it's not in there anymore," Pierzynski said. "There has been no pain or lingering effects. The whole key was to do the rehab work and make sure there are no lingering effects. It's good.

"I'm not going to change anything. It's one of those things that happened. It's not something that I can control. I didn't go out and do anything crazy. The trainers did a great job, so hopefully it's behind me."

To make room for Pierzynski, the Rangers optioned catcher Robinson Chirinos to Triple-A Round Rock.