Alex Claudio optioned to make room for Chi Chi Gonzalez

The Texas Rangers have optioned lefthanded reliever Alex Claudio to AAA Round Rock, per John Blake this afternoon.  This clears a spot on the 25 man roster for Chi Chi Gonzalez, who will start tomorrow's game against the New York Yankees.

Claudio, 24, has appeared in 13 games for the Rangers this season, putting up a 4.50 ERA in 18 innings.  He's been used largely in a mop-up role, or when the Rangers have otherwise run out of available relief options.

Chi Chi, meanwhile, is going to make his first appearance in the majors this season tomorrow.  He will be making at least the one start Monday, and its certainly possible he will stay in the rotation for at least another turn, given that Derek Holland, Yu Darvish and Colby Lewis are all on the d.l.