Drew Robinson to the d.l., Eliezer Alvarez up

Texas Rangers transactions: Drew Robinson has been placed on the 10 day disabled list, the Rangers announced today, with a sore hip. Robinson was originally in today’s starting lineup at second base, then was scratched with the hip issue, then was put on the disabled list. Replacing him on the active roster is infielder Eliezer Alvarez.

Alvarez has been playing at Frisco, and likely was promoted mainly because he was nearby, on the 40 man roster, and the Rangers wanted a warm body for the bench. The Rangers acquired him from the Phillies during spring training for cash considerations after Philadelphia designated him for assignment. Alvarez has never been in the majors before, and will likely be sent down tomorrow or Wednesday, when the Rangers activate Adrian Beltre.

Beltre, according to Jon Daniels, who was on the radio today talking about this, is expected to be activated tomorrow or Wednesday. The Robinson injury and the existence of Alvarez on the active roster would seem to make it more likely Beltre returns tomorrow. Once he does, Alvarez will be sent down, Isiah Kiner-Falefa will be the regular second baseman, and Beltre will resume playing third base.

Rougned Odor was not activated today, but is heading back to Round Rock for a rehab game tomorrow. It sounds like he won’t be activated until Friday, at which point Ryan Rua would likely be sent down, leaving the Rangers with a bench of Renato Nunez, Carlos Perez and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Also due off the disabled list is Chris Martin, who is eligible to return Friday. The righthanded reliever was thought to be able to avoid a trip to the disabled list after dealing with forearm cramping, but a need for a fresh arm in the pen resulted in Martin getting a short d.l. trip. Yohander Mendez was called up to replace Nick Gardewine, who was originally called up to replace Martin, and Mendez likely will be sent down when Martin is ready to return.

No word at this point as to how serious the Robinson injury is. He’s been functioning as the utility infielder and the backup outfielder, a job which IKF will presumably inherit once Beltre returns.