The Texas Rangers today announced that the club activated infielder/outfielder Joey Gallo off the seven-day concussion list. To make room for Gallo on the active roster, the team has optioned outfielder Ryan Rua to Triple-A Round Rock.
Additionally, right-handed pitcher Tanner Scheppers has cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Round Rock.
Gallo was placed on the seven-day concussion list on August 22 and today was the first date he was eligible to return. He exited his last game on August 20 versus Chicago-AL in the top of the 8th inning after colliding with pitcher Matt Bush while chasing a pop up near third base. He sustained a small non-displaced nasal fracture, had swelling of his nose and lip, and experienced concussion symptoms after the collision. He joined the club in Anaheim last week and has been increasing the intensity of his workouts over the course of the current road trip.
Gallo's 35 home runs this season rank T4th in the American League and are the most in a season by a Ranger since 2012. His 14 home runs since the All-Star break are tied for the A.L. lead, and he is T4th in the league with 10 homers in August.
Rua has batted .208 with 3 home runs and 11 RBI in 49 games spanning three stints with Texas this season: Opening Day-June 15, July 31-August 11, August 21-28. He has batted .256 (40-156) with 6 home runs and 21 RBI in 40 games overall at Round Rock while seeing action at both corner outfield spots.
Scheppers was designated for assignment on Saturday when the club acquired right-handed pitcher Paolo Espino from Milwaukee. Scheppers saw his lone stint with the Rangers from June 19-July 1, going 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in 5 relief appearances. This marked the second time this season he has been removed from the major league roster, as he was also assigned outright to Round Rock on April 15. Scheppers has an 0-3 record and 5.05 ERA in 30 games/one start with the Express this season.
After today's transactions, the Rangers' major league roster remains at the 40-man limit, along with four players on the 60-day disabled list.
STUBBS TAKES RELEASE: Round Rock outfielder Drew Stubbs has asked for and been granted his release from his minor league contract. Stubbs was signed by Texas as a minor league free agent on May 16 after he was designated for assignment by San Francisco on May 6. Stubbs batted .297 (81-273) with 7 home runs and 35 RBI in 75 games with the Express.