Rangers Reinstate 1B/DH Mitch Moreland from 15-Day DL; Option OF Jake Smolinski To Round Rock

Arlington, Texas - The Texas Rangers announced this afternoon that first baseman/designated hitter Mitch Moreland has been returned from his injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Round Rock and reinstated from the 15-day disabled list. To make room for Moreland on the active roster, the club has optioned outfielder Jake Smolinski to Round Rock.

Moreland was placed on the disabled list on April 29 (retroactive to April 28) and had surgery that day to remove bone chips from his left elbow performed by Rangers Team Physician Dr. Keith Meister. He went 0-for-11 with 6 walks in a 4-game injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Round Rock, reaching safely on walks in 5 of his last 9 plate appearances. Today was the first date he was eligible to return from the disabled list. Moreland has batted .304 (14-46) with one home run and 9 RBI in 16 games/11 starts for the Rangers this season. His last game with Texas was on April 27 against Seattle.

Smolinski has been on the club's 25-man roster all season after making the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career. The rookie has batted .140 (7-50) with one home run, 5 RBI, and 10 walks in 25 games/16 starts.

With today's moves, the Rangers major league roster is still at the 40-man limit.