Joe Palumbo leaves game with apparent blister issue

Joe Palumbo was called up to be the Texas Rangers’ 26th man for today’s doubleheader against the Anaheim Angels, and to start Game 1 of the doubleheader. However, he was pulled with two outs in the second inning due to what appeared to be a blister problem on his hand. He has been replaced by Phillips Valdez.

Palumbo was expected to stay in the Rangers’ rotation going forward, but after allowing three runs in the first inning today, and then having to leave after recording just two outs in the second, plans may be changing. I’m not sure if the rules allow the player called up to be the 26th man for a doubleheader to be placed on the injured list and replaced between games, but I doubt that’s the case.

With Valdez being asked to be the long man in Game 1, I suspect that he will be optioned prior to Game 2 to make room for Brock Burke, who is making his major league debut in the evening game.

UPDATE — Palumbo was lifted with a blister on his left thumb, per John Blake.