Tony Barnette activated, Jose Leclerc optioned

The Texas Rangers have activated relief pitcher Tony Barnette from the disabled list for tonight’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. To make room for Barnette on the active roster, the Rangers have optioned relief pitcher Jose Leclerc to AAA Round Rock.

Leclerc is being sent down, of course, because he can be optioned. In 6.2 IP over 5 games in the majors this season, he’s yet to allow a run, and has allowed just a single hit while walking three and striking out 6. In his last outing, on Monday, he walked a pair of batters in 1.2 IP, though, and his mercurial relationship with the strike zone seems to have Jeff Banister leery of using him in meaningful situations.

Barnette is now part of a 13 man pitching staff that features seven relievers and six starters. With the pen having been used heavily already this season, Barnette is almost certainly going to be asked to carry a significant load right away.