Rangers bolster 'pen with righty McCutchen

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have recalled right-handed pitcher Daniel McCutchen from Triple-A Round Rock and designated catcher Chris Gimenez for assignment. The Rangers wanted to add a long reliever after needing five innings out of their bullpen in a 14-10 loss to the Phillies on Opening Day.

McCutchen, who was added to big league camp in the final week of Spring Training, pitched in 108 games for the Pirates from 2009-12, with a record of 8-11 and a 4.77 ERA. He has averaged 10 hits, 3.5 walks and five strikeouts per nine innings in his Major League career. He pitched in five "A" games for the Rangers in Spring Training, allowing six runs on 10 hits and two walks, with seven strikeouts.

"We needed a long guy, and he does have big league time," manager Ron Washington said. "He attacks the zone and isn't afraid. In a pinch, he can go out and get the innings we need."

The Rangers have 10 days to trade Gimenez, release him or get him through outright waivers. The Rangers already have Chris Snyder and Brett Nicholas as their catchers at Round Rock.

Nicholas was a sixth-round pick by the Rangers in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. He has played 78 games at catcher and 253 at first base in his Minor League career. He is a left-handed hitter who had 21 home runs and 91 RBIs at Double-A Frisco last season, so the Rangers want him to concentrate on catching this season.

Nicholas likely will catch approximately 50 percent of the time at Round Rock. The Rangers want the rest of the time spent keeping a catcher with Major League experience -- either Snyder or Gimenez -- ready if there is a need in Arlington.