Scott Heineman, Locke St. John optioned

Texas Rangers transactions: Scott Heineman and Locke St. John were optioned to AAA Nashville after game two of today’s doubleheader, the team announced today.

The optioning of St. John, a lefty relief pitcher, was the third roster move of the day he was involved in. He was optioned to AAA Nashville before game one today to make room on the active roster for Shawn Kelley, who was activated from the injured list. He was then recalled for game two as the 26th man who is allowed to be on the active roster for a doubleheader (or, in the case of a doubleheader than was scheduled with less than 48 hours notice, as was the case today, in game two of the doubleheader). Because St. John had not spent 10 days in the minors on the optional assignment before being recalled as the 26th man, he was required under MLB rules to be removed from the active roster after the game.

The move to send down Heineman is more of a surprise. He was called up and made his major league debut last Friday, when the Rangers went to a four man bench. Including today, he started 3 games and appeared in another as a defensive replacement, registering 2 singles and a walk in 11 plate appearances. There will probably be claims that he didn’t get enough of a chance before being sent back down, but realistically, Heineman profiles as a role player who likely over the next couple of seasons will bounce up and down between AAA in the majors as roster situations demand.

Kolby Allard has been announced as Friday’s starter, and he will presumably be called up Friday to take Heineman’s spot on the 25 man roster.