ARLINGTON -- The Rangers optioned infielder Hanser Alberto to Triple-A Round Rock and recalled right-hander Tom Wilhelmsen before Saturday's game against the Mariners.
The team also announced that right-hander Nick Tepesch requested, and was granted, his release from Round Rock. He had a June 1 opt-out clause in his contract.
Alberto made the Opening Day roster as a utility player with solid defense, but has hit .162 in 37 at-bats this season. With Jurickson Profar staying with team after Rougned Odor's return from suspension, there was no need for another utility infielder.
"He's a smart baseball player. He's scuffled offensively in limited playing time," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "This allows him to play every day in Triple-A."
Wilhelmsen made the Opening Day roster as well, but was optioned on May 16 after posting a 9.98 ERA through 15 1/3 innings. He rebounded with a 1.12 ERA in eight innings with Round Rock.
"It's a lot less stressful [in the Minors], for sure," he said. "It gave me an opportunity to just kind of remember how to pitch and how good I am. … Just a nice mental break all around."
Wilhelmsen was acquired from the Mariners on Nov. 16 in the trade of outfielder Leonys Martin.
Banister said he added a two-seam fastball to his repertoire while in the Minors.