ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers are going a man short on the bench for now.
Texas activated right-hander Mark Lowe from the 15-day disabled list and designated infielder Alberto Gonzalez for assignment to make room for him.
The move leaves Texas with just three bench players as the club will go with 13 pitchers for now.
"I never like going with just three bench players," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "Sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do. I don't have a lot of hair to pull out so I'm not going to pull it out."
Washington said the 13 pitchers are needed because the Rangers are preparing to face two potent offenses in Detroit and New York. The club also couldn't send down Michael Kirkman because Washington said he's the long man.
Lowe has been on the disabled list since June 29 with a strained right intercostal muscle. He has a 2.30 ERA in 26 appearances for the Rangers this year.
Gonzalez played in 24 games for the Rangers this year, hitting .241 in just 54 at-bats. The club has 10 days to trade, release or outright Gonzalez.
With Gonzalez gone, Michael Young will handle the backup middle infield duties for the Rangers. Young, who made his first start at shortstop since 2009 earlier this week, doesn't see his role changing at all.
Shortstop Elvis Andrus has played in 106 of the team's 110 games and Kinsler 107.
"It doesn't bother me one bit," said Young. "That's kind of been my role here for a while to be playing different positions. I'll make sure I get my work in and different spots and stay ready. Hopefully Elvis doesn't miss any time because he's a big part of the team."
