Versatile L. Garcia brought up to fortify bench

KANSAS CITY -- The White Sox didn't wait long to bring up the player they received in the Alex Rios deal. Diminutive infielder Leury Garcia was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday to replace outfielder Blake Tekotte, who was optioned to Charlotte late Wednesday night.

"We're a little short right now infield-wise, with guys having some nagging injuries," manager Robin Ventura said. "That's the reason for the move and to get him up here and see what he can do."

Garcia, 22, played well enough this spring to make the Rangers' Opening Day roster. He batted .192 with eight runs scored in 25 games before going back to Triple-A Round Rock. Garcia combined to hit .265 with four triples, four homers, 20 RBIs, 15 steals and 34 runs scored in 55 games this season for Charlotte and Round Rock in the Pacific Coast League.

Ventura said Garcia will initially be used off the bench in a variety of roles. Voted as the fastest baserunner in the Texas organization after the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Garcia could factor in as a late-inning pinch-runner. He can play the outfield, as well as three infield positions.

"He's pretty versatile in what he can do," Ventura said.

Garcia, who is 5-foot-7, 160 pounds, didn't arrive in Charlotte with a timetable for reaching the Major League club.

"I really wasn't locked in on getting up here," Garcia said through a translator. "I was just focused on playing at Triple-A and getting better at what I was doing."

Garcia feels the early-season experience with the Rangers helped him learn what the Major Leagues are all about.

"I feel really comfortable the second time around," Garcia said.