Travis Blackley to start for Texas tomorrow

The Texas Rangers have announced that lefthanded pitcher Travis Blackley will have his contract purchased tomorrow from AAA Round Rock and will start against the Houston Astros.

Alexi Ogando was originally scheduled to start today, but after dealing with tendinitis in his shoulder, he was scratched, Matt Garza was moved up to start today, and "To Be Determined" was announced for tomorrow.

Blackley is not on the 40 man roster, so there will have to be both a 25 man roster move and a 40 man roster move made to clear a spot for Blackley.  If they are going to drop a pitcher for Blackley, then the Rangers would seem likely to either put Alexi Ogando on the disabled list or option Robbie Ross to AAA.  Either move would mean also making a 40 roster move to clear a spot for Blackley.  Lance Berkman could be placed on the 60 day d.l., which would mean he could be re-activated roughly a week into September, or Chris McGuiness or Joe Benson could be designated for assignment.

Alternatively, the Rangers could clear a 25 man roster spot and a 40 man roster spot by designated Adam Rosales for assignment.  With the lack of another viable utility infielder in the minor leagues, however, and with roster expansion around the corner, it seems like the Rangers would be reluctant to risk losing Rosales to Oakland (again).