Joely Rodriguez activated, Josh Sborz optioned

The Texas Rangers activated lefthanded relief pitcher Joely Rodriguez from the injured list prior to last night’s game, in a move I somehow missed and thus didn’t do a post about last night. To make room for him on the active roster, the Rangers optioned righthanded relief pitcher Josh Sborz to the Alternate Training Site.

Rodriguez, who was signed by the Rangers to a two year deal out of Japan prior to the 2020 season, was expected to be one of the primary lefthanded relief pitchers in the Rangers pen this year, along with Brett Martin. Both Rodriguez and Martin were sidelined this spring, however, with the result being that they each started the year on the injured list. John King and Kolby Allard made the roster as lefty bullpen options in the pair’s stead, but Matt Bush’s injury created an opening for Martin, and now Allard and King have pitched well enough that they are keeping their roster spots, at least for now.

Sborz was acquired from the Dodgers for Jhan Zambrano at the starting of spring training. The 27 year old righthander has options remaining, so he can be sent down without going through waivers. He allowed 4 runs in 5 innings of work over 6 games this year, with 5 Ks against 4 walks.