Pedro Payano recalled, Ronald Guzman optioned

Texas Rangers transactions: Pedro Payano has been recalled from AAA Nashville today, and will be pitching as the “starter” behind Brett Martin’s opener. To make room for Payano on the active roster, the Rangers have optioned first baseman Ronald Guzman to AAA Nashville.

The move of Payano was expected, as Chris Woodward had said he would be called up to pitch today, with the only question being who would be sent down to make room for him. Unfortunately, the decision to option Guzman isn’t really a surprise. Guzman had started just 2 of the 6 last six games, and has not hit well this year, slashing .193/.282/.396. Since coming off the injured list in May, Guzman has put up just a 644 OPS.

Guzman had been talked about as one of the underperforming players who stayed up when Willie Calhoun was sent down, but he’s now joining Willie in Nashville. It’s very hard to argue that it made sense for Guzman to be on the major league roster right now, and even if the Rangers move a veteran position player or two, Guzman might be behind Calhoun, Scott Heineman (who has been getting starts at first base for Nashville for the first time as a professional), and possibly the newly acquired Nick Solak.

Hopefully, Guzman gets things figured out in Nashville, and returns in September hitting better.