Rangers send down Ortiz, keep Wolf in 'pen

BOSTON -- The Rangers optioned pitcher Joseph Ortiz to Triple-A Round Rock before Wednesday's game to make room for Alexi Ogando, who was activated off the disabled list.

Ortiz was 2-0 with an 0.77 ERA in his first seven games, while opponents hit .190 off him. But he was 0-1 with an 8.59 ERA in his last 13 games, and he was clearly starting to press on the mound.

"I think I was more aggressive early in the season," Ortiz said. "But not pitching for so many days, I would wonder if I was pitching well or pitching badly and worry too much. I need to work on my mental side. I'm confident I can work this out and be back soon."

The decision came down between Ortiz and Ross Wolf, the right-hander who was called up on May 22. Both players have options. But Washington said the Rangers wanted to keep Wolf because he gives them a long reliever they haven't had since Derek Lowe was released. Wolf's promotion appeared temporary at the time, but right now he has a spot in the bullpen.

"I've been through it before," Wolf said. "I'm older this time, but I don't dwell on it. I just go out there and throw strikes and hope for the best."

Wolf was originally drafted by the Marlins in 2002, and this is his 12th season in professional baseball. He pitched for the Marlins in 2007 and the Athletics in 2010, and didn't even realize he had an option remaining.

"My agent [Matt Sosnick] called the union, and they said I had one left," Wolf said.