Rangers select contract of INF Luis Hernandez from Triple-A Round Rock; Place INF Michael Young on MLB Paternity Leave list

The Texas Rangers announced this afternoon that the club has selected the contract of infielder Luis Hernandez (#3) from Triple-A Round Rock.  Hernandez takes the active roster spot of Michael Young, who has been placed on MLB's Paternity Leave List.  A player can be on the Paternity Leave List for a maximum of three days.

Hernandez, 28, will be looking to make his Texas debut.  He has spent the entire season with the Express, batting .262 (130-497) with 8 home runs, 21 doubles, 5 triples, and 66 RBI in 124 contests.  Over his last 18 games beginning August 5, Hernandez has a .423 (33-78) average with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 14 RBI and 14 runs scored.  He began that stretch with 9 consecutive multi-hit games to open what was a 16-game hit streak.  The switch-hitter has batted .273 (92-337) against right-handed pitching this year.  He has played primarily shortstop in the Pacific Coast League and has also seen action at second base.

Hernandez has a .245 career average in 120 major league games with Baltimore (2007-08), Kansas City (2009), and New York-NL (2010).  His last major league game was with the Mets on Sept. 18, 2010.

Young was the starting designated hitter in last night's game, going 0-for-1 before he was removed for a pinch-hitter.  His wife, Cristina, gave birth to baby boy Antonio Barbosa at 9:02 p.m. CDT last night, the couple's third child.  Young is batting .271 with 4 home runs and 50 RBI in 121 games this season.

With the addition of Hernandez, the Rangers now have a full 40-man roster.