Tony Barnette activated, Tanner Scheppers optioned

The Texas Rangers have activated reliever Tony Barnette from the 10 day disabled list, per John Blake on Twitter. To make room for Barnette on the active roster, the Rangers have optioned reliever Tanner Scheppers to AAA Round Rock.

Barnette has had a bad 2017 season, but while on the disabled list worked on slowing down his delivery, as it was apparently determined he was speeding it up, which was impacting his command. Barnette had two rehab appearances this past week, facing 10 batters in all, retiring 9 and walking 1, with 3 strikeouts.

If Barnette has figured out what was wrong and can get back to keeping his pitches down like he did last year, he would be a big shot in the arm for a Ranger bullpen that is desperately casting about for reliable options.

Scheppers, meanwhile, heads back to AAA as depth, while waiting for his next opportunity. He allowed 3 runs in 4 IP over 5 games for Texas during this latest stint with the team.