Mark Lowe optioned, Colby Lewis activated

Per a variety of Twitter tweets, the Texas Rangers have optioned righthanded reliever Mark Lowe to AAA Round Rock, and have activated Colby Lewis from his paternity leave.

Lewis was de-activated for the weekend series against the New York Yankees to be with his wife while she gave birth, and under new MLB rules, you can de-activate a player for paternity leave for up to 72 hours.

Lefthander Michael Kirkman was called up from Round Rock to fill in for Lewis, and it was assumed that Kirkman would be sent down when Lewis was activated.

However, with Lowe having struggled mightily after being activated at the end of September last season from the disabled list, in the playoffs, during spring training, and in the majors so far this year, his roster spot was seen as being in jeopardy, and he has been thought to be in danger of being optioned.

The thinking has been that Lowe would end up being sent down to make room for a 4th bench player, likely either someone who could play centerfield or someone who could catch. 

Kirkman, instead, takes Lowe's place in the bullpen.  It will be interesting to see what role he fills, and how long he stays up.