ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers added some depth for their beleaguered pitching staff Wednesday by purchasing the contract of veteran right-hander Scott Baker from Triple A Round Rock.
Baker, who has 63 wins at the big-league level, will work in the bullpen as Texas tries to work its way through a seven-game stretch in which its staff has a 7.05 ERA.
Baker, a right-hander, had Tommy John surgery just over two years ago and was 4-1 with a 3.32 ERA in six starts for Round Rock.
"It was obviously a long road," Baker said. "I was really enjoying myself down there (in Round Rock). It was a great group of guys but everybody is striving to be here. Injuries happen. It wasn't because of lack of effort."
Baker has just four relief appearances in the majors and pitched exclusively as a starter for Round Rock. But Wednesday was his scheduled day to start and Texas manager Ron Washington wanted to have an extra arm in relief.
"He can give us some length in that bullpen," Washington said. "We're just trying to get the bullpen straightened out so I have to go a player short for a few days. It just depends on how our starters do. If Colby (Lewis) and Harry (Matt Harrison) get us deep into some ballgames the next couple days we can straighten it out in two days. It just depends."
Washington said the promotion of Baker will not impact the rotation and that Robbie Ross is still slated to start Sunday against Boston. Ross has pitched 8 2/3 innings over his last two starts and allowed 23 hits and 12 earned runs.
To make room for Baker the Rangers sent outfielder Daniel Robertson to Round Rock. Texas cleared a spot on the 40-man roster for Baker by moving lefty Pedro Figueroa to the 60-day disabled list.
