The Texas Rangers have recalled pitcher Miles Mikolas, who will be joining the team's starting rotation. To make room for Mikolas on the 25 man roster, the team has designated pitcher Joe Saunders for assignment.
Mikolas will start for Texas tomorrow in Baltimore.
Mikolas, 25, has a career 3.44 ERA in 34 major league innings, all in relief. He was acquired by the Rangers from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for first baseman Chris McGuiness this past winter.
Mikolas was recently moved into the rotation for Round Rock, and has a 3.22 ERA in 16 games (6 starts) and 44.2 innings for the Express, with 38 Ks against just 3 walks. Mikolas is out of options after this season, and with the Rangers in evaluation mode, this gives the team an opportunity to get a look at him while waiting for Derek Holland to return.
Saunders was signed to a one year deal this offseason, and was supposed to provide the Rangers with rotation depth, but he got hurt in his first start, and hasn't been good, putting up a 6.13 ERA/6.20 FIP in 39.2 innings. Opponents have hit .356/.419/.569 off of Saunders this year.