John Blake just tweeted that the Texas Rangers have placed righthanded starting pitcher Alexi Ogando on the disabled list with right biceps tendinitis.
To replace Ogando on the 25 man roster, the Rangers have recalled righthanded reliever Cory Burns from AAA. Righthander Josh Lindblom will make Ogando's scheduled start on Monday, and the Rangers will have to make a roster move then to make room for Lindblom.
There's been concern about Ogando, whose average fastball velocity this year has been 93.1 mph, down from 96.9 mph last year when he was a reliever, and from 95.0 mph in 2011, when he was last starting. Jason Cole tweeted that Ogando was sitting at 88-90 mph yesterday, well below where he needs to be.
There is no indication at this point as to how long Ogando is expected to be on the d.l.
Burns was acquired from the San Diego Padres this offseason in exchange for minor league pitcher Wilfredo Boscan. Burns was in the mix for a spot in the Ranger bullpen until the end of spring training, and given the issues the Rangers have had with their relief corps this year, Burns could end up sticking past Monday if he pitches well at some point in the next few days. If the Rangers opted to keep Burns when they bring up Lindblom on Monday, then they would be looking at designating Derek Lowe or Michael Kirkman for assignment, or could option Joe Ortiz.
Lindblom, who came to Texas in the Michael Young trade this offseason, was competing for a spot in the bullpen this spring, but has been used as a starter in AAA this year.
Burns has a 1.38 ERA with 18 Ks, 4 walks and 0 homers allowed in 13 innings in Round Rock this year.
Lindblom has a 2.08 ERA with 33 Ks, 11 walks and 3 homers allowed in 43.1 innings in Round Rock this year.