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The Texas Rangers are purchasing the contract of infielder Ryan Rua from AAA Round Rock today, according to John Blake on Twitter.
To make room for Rua on the 25 man roster, Jim Adduci has been placed on the 7 day concussion disabled list. Adduci banged his head last night after colliding with Rougned Odor while catching a pop fly. To make room for Rua on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have released pitcher Phil Irwin.
Rua, a 17th round pick from the 2011 draft, had a breakout year in 2013, putting up a .251/.356/.559 line in 430 plate appearances for low-A Hickory before earning a late-season promotion to AA. This year, he has put up a .306/.378/.488 line while splitting time between AA Frisco and AAA Round Rock. Rua has played mostly third base this season, after playing mostly second base in 2013, and has also played some first base and some left field.
Rua's ceiling is probably something similar to Dan Uggla while Uggla was with the Marlins, while a realistic projection is probably him carving out a career as a Jeff Baker-type righty bench bat who can play the non-SS infield positions and some left field.
