Texas Rangers recall LHP Alex Claudio, option RHP Tanner Scheppers

The Texas Rangers have recalled lefthanded reliever Alex Claudio from AAA Round Rock.  To make room for Claudio, the Rangers have, surprisingly, optioned righthander Tanner Scheppers to AAA.

The decision to recall Claudio isn't all that surprising, as he was a late cut in camp, and the Rangers have been operating without a lefthanded reliever so far this season, a situation that seemed unlikely to continue in perpetuity.  However, the decision to send down Scheppers is unexpected...Scheppers was slated to be the 8th inning guy this season, and Jeff Banister re-iterated his plan to have Scheppers handle the 8th inning going forward.

However, Scheppers has been erratic since being activated from the disabled list ten days ago, and had an especially bad outing on Saturday, when he allowed two hits and had an HBP while retiring just two batters.  Scheppers will presumably get regular work in Round Rock while attempting to get his command back.