Rua activated, Claudio called up by Rangers

CHICAGO -- The Rangers made a series of roster moves Friday afternoon, highlighted by the activation of outfielder Ryan Rua from the 60-day disabled list. Rua had been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock as he recovered from a fractured bone in his foot.

Though he played seven of his 12 starts at third base, Rua started in left field, where he played with Texas before his injury, in Friday's 2-1 win over the White Sox. He hit sixth and went 0-for-4 on his first day back.

"We're going to find spots for Rua," said Rangers manager Jeff Banister. "One thing we asked Ryan to do is be able to play multiple positions, kind of that role that he was in, I'm assuming last year.

"There is going to be some up and down because he hasn't faced Major League pitching in a while. But we know that."

Banister noted that Rua had to pass evaluations on his ankle before he came back up, but needed to get "back in shape" before he was ready to be called up.

Rua, a right-handed batter ranked as the club's No. 9 prospect by MLB.com, will see plenty of action as Texas is set to face three straight White Sox left-handers. He hit .175 with two home runs and six RBIs on his rehab assignment.

"No matter how many at-bats he got down there, to get back to Major League pitching, there's still going be some time and a transition," Banister said.

Left-handed reliever Alex Claudio was also called up, while right-hander Anthony Ranaudo was optioned down to Round Rock after starting Thursday night against the Dodgers. Outfielder Jake Smolinski was designated for assignment.

Claudio will make his second appearance with Texas this season after he went 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA in 12 games with Round Rock.

"It gives us more flexibility out of the bullpen," Banister said. "The extra pitcher gives the ability to match up a little better. Plus, we maybe give a guy a day down that we need to."

• Rangers Minor League pitcher Chad James received a 25-game suspension following a violation of the Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, MLB announced Friday. James, a left-hander with the Class A Advanced High Desert Mavericks of the California League, will serve his suspension immediately.

• Martin Perez threw a bullpen session Friday in Round Rock and will be reassigned to Double-A Frisco to begin a rehab assignment on Monday. He is expected to throw three innings or about 45 pitches.