Overview
- The Rangers optioned infielder Josh Smith to Triple‑A Round Rock and selected outfielder Jarred Kelenic’s contract on Friday to change the big‑league roster.
- Smith missed 37 games this season after a glute strain, left wrist inflammation and a hospitalization for viral meningitis before returning for three games earlier this week.
- Kelenic signed a minor‑league deal with Texas on June 1 and earned the promotion after a 13‑game stretch at Triple‑A Round Rock in which he hit .340/.431/.620 with three homers.
- Manager Skip Schumaker called the optioning of Smith one of the toughest moves of his career and said the demotion was meant to help Smith get regular at‑bats and regain his timing.
- The club moved Michael Helman to the 60‑day injured list to open a 40‑man roster spot, a procedural step that accompanied the low‑cost gamble to try to boost a lineup that has struggled to score runs.