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A.J. Griffin to the disabled list, Alex Claudio recalled

The Rangers have recalled Alex Claudio, and have placed A.J. Griffin on the disabled list

By Adam J. Morris
Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

The Texas Rangers have recalled Alex Claudio from AAA Round Rock, according to John Blake on Twitter.  To make room for Claudio on the 25 man roster, the Rangers have placed pitcher A.J. Griffin on the disabled list with right shoulder stiffness.

This move was, I think, pretty much expected after Griffin left yesterday's game in the third inning.  The Rangers are in a position where they can, if they wish, skip the fifth starter spot the next time it comes up, and then potentially activate Yu Darvish to step into the open rotation spot the next time it comes around.  Even if they don't activate Darvish then, his imminent return means that the Rangers likely would need to turn to a spot starter just once before he's ready to return.

Griffin, meanwhile, missed the past two seasons while recuperating from Tommy John surgery.  Even though he has pitched quite well for the Rangers this season, the idea of him pitching 180-200 innings, given his layoff, seemed far-fetched, and the initial plan this spring was for Griffin to start the season in Round Rock and work on building his way back to full strength.  The shoulder issue gives the Rangers the chance to give Griffin some rest, and let him work his way back gradually on a rehab stint once he's cleared to pitch again.

Claudio, meanwhile, was technically recalled from AAA Round Rock, though in reality he never left Detroit after being optioned yesterday.  Claudio was sent down on Saturday to make room for Drew Stubbs on the 25 man roster, and could not have been recalled in the next 10 days without a pitcher going on the d.l.

Claudio will likely function as the long man today, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were another move to be announced before game time.  Anthony Ranaudo and Cesar Ramos are both likely unavailable, Tony Barnette threw a lot of pitches yesterday, and Jake Diekman has pitched the past two games.  Andrew Faulkner or Luke Jackson being activated today, with Ranaudo being optioned to AAA, would give the Rangers an extra arm in the pen, so it wouldn't be shocking if that move were announced, as well.