Prospect Demeritte suspended 80 games

ARLINGTON -- Prospect Travis Demeritte, an infielder at Class A Hickory, has been suspended 80 games without pay for testing positive for furosemide, also known as Lasix, a banned performance-enhancing substance that can be used as a masking agent for other drugs.

Demeritte released a statement through the Rangers that read: "I want to apologize to the Texas Rangers organization, including my teammates, as well as my family, friends, and the fans for my error in judgment. I accept full responsibility for my actions and will be working hard over the next few months to be fully prepared for a return as an active player."

Demeritte, 20, was the Rangers' first-round pick in the 2013 Draft, and he has hit .220 with 30 homers and 85 RBIs in 166 games at Hickory since last season.

Blanks close to returning: First baseman Kyle Blanks (pilonidal cyst) is going on the upcoming road trip with the team and won't need a rehab assignment; manager Jeff Banister said that Blanks could return on Sunday at Kansas City at the earliest, but Tuesday in Oakland is more likely.

Feliz working way back: Reliever Neftali Feliz (axillary abcess) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday. He is scheduled to pitch one inning.