Kennedy to i.l., Patton up

The Texas Rangers have placed closer Ian Kennedy on the 10 day injured list retroactive to June 6 with a left hamstring strain. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have purchased the contract of relief pitcher Spencer Patton. As the 40 man roster was at 39 after Khris Davis was designated for assignment yesterday, no move was necessary to open a 40 man roster spot.

Kennedy has done stellar work as the Rangers’ closer this season, but the Rangers haven’t had much use for a closer lately. Still, one has to hope that Kennedy will be back quickly, as he has been an asset in the bullpen, and if nothing else, he should be able to bring a prospect back at the trade deadline if he continues to pitch well.

Patton, 33, is in his second stint with the Texas Rangers organization. He was acquired by the Rangers from the Kansas City Royals in July, 2014, in exchange for Jason Frasor. After the 2015 season, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs for the immortal Frandy de la Rosa. Spencer was released after the 2016 season, and pitched for Yokohama in the Japanese League before coming back to the United States and signing a minor league deal with the Rangers this offseason.

Patton has yet to allow a run in AAA this season in 12 innings of work, with 12 Ks and 6 walks.