Prospect Gonzalez expected to start Saturday

ARLINGTON -- Alex "Chi Chi" Gonzalez, the Rangers' No. 1 Draft pick from 2013, is expected to make his Major League debut on Saturday night against the Red Sox.

Gonzalez, the Rangers' No. 5 prospect, was scheduled to start for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday night, but he was scratched and replaced by Francisco Mendoza. Gonzalez is 3-5 with a 4.15 ERA in eight starts for Round Rock. He is 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA in his last three starts.

The Rangers have not officially made an announcement on Saturday's starter. But they did announce that Phil Klein has been optioned to Round Rock and infielder Hanser Alberto, the Rangers' No. 28 prospect, has been called up. Klein made two starts with different results. He allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings in a 2-1 win over the Red Sox on May 20, and then gave up seven runs in two-plus innings against the Indians on Monday.

Video: Top Prospects: Hanser Alberto, SS, Rangers

The Rangers have been looking for a starter to replace Ross Detwiler, who is on the disabled list with inflammation in his left shoulder. Detwiler threw a bullpen session on Thursday, but the Rangers don't see him ready to start on Saturday.

The Rangers would like Detwiler to make at least one start in the Minor Leagues on a rehab assignment before he returns to their rotation. He has not pitched since May 14, when he allowed three runs over five innings in a 6-3 loss to the Royals.

Alberto gives the Rangers an extra position player off the bench, possibly until Saturday when Gonzalez is called up. Alberto is hitting .303 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 42 games at Round Rock, including a .375 clip in his last 23 games.