Ryan Rua, Alex Claudio up, Jake Smolinski DFA'd, Anthony Ranaudo optioned

The Texas Rangers have activated Ryan Rua from the 60 day disabled list and added him to the 25 man and 40 man rosters today, and have recalled lefthanded pitcher Alex Claudio from AAA Round Rock.

To make room for Claudio on the 25 man roster, the Rangers have optioned yesterday's starter, Anthony Ranaudo.  To make room for Rua on the 25 and 40 man roster, the Rangers have designated Jake Smolinski for assignment.

This is a little surprising in that, if my math is right, the Rangers are still going with a three man bench -- Rua, Corporan, and Rosales.  I figured Rua would be activated, Ranaudo would be sent down, and the Rangers would make some other move to clear a spot for Rua.

Regardless, Smolinski has barely played since being recalled in late May, and has not performed at all this season while in the majors.  His being dropped has seemed like an inevitability for a while now, although it seemed Kyle Blanks going on the d.l. might delay that for a short period of time.

Rua was the Rangers' starting left fielder at the start of the season, and will likely start against lefthanded pitchers, as well as some righthanders.

Claudio gives the Rangers an eight man bullpen for the time being, although if Josh Hamilton goes on a rehab assignment on Monday, as has been reported to be a possibility, the eight man bullpen will likely only last until he's ready to be activated from the d.l.