Claudio active, Rodriguez down, Bibens-Dirkx up

The Texas Rangers activated relief pitcher Alex Claudio from the disabled list today, filling the roster spot that opened up when Jesse Chavez was traded to the Chicago Cubs. In addition, the Rangers have optioned relief pitcher Ricky Rodriguez to AAA Round Rock, and have recalled pitcher Austin Bibens-Dirkx.

The Claudio move was expected, and his return today is why the Rangers didn’t bring anyone up for yesterday’s game. The move to replace Rodriguez with Bibens-Dirkx, on the other hand, was not expected. With every Ranger reliever, however, being used in yesterday’s game, it appears Texas wanted a fresh arm in the pen today that could fill a long man role.