Tony Barnette to the disabled list, Ryan Rua back up

The Texas Rangers have recalled infielder/outfielder Ryan Rua from AAA Round Rock today, the team announced, and have placed relief pitcher Tony Barnette on the 10 day disabled list.

Rua, of course, was optioned yesterday to make room on the active roster for Renato Nunez. However, with Jurickson Profar having left yesterday’s game after hitting the ground after being slid into while trying to turn a double play, the Rangers are short on position players on the bench. Profar may end up going on the 7 day concussion disabled list, but for now he’s on the active roster, though unavailable.

Rua has some experience at second base and third base, and so can at least theoretically be a backup at second base, with Drew Robinson playing second base today and Isiah Kiner-Falefa playing shortstop. This is, of course, not an ideal scenario, but with both starting middle infielders and the primary backup all injured, the Rangers have to make do as best as possible.

I don’t know if Barnette is really dealing with a significant issue, or if this is a situation where, well, every pitcher has some shoulder inflammation at this point in the season, so the Rangers are using this as an excuse for a d.l. move that allows them to bring back Rua immediately. In any case, Barnette will not be eligible to return now until April 25.