ARLINGTON, Texas – Despite Kyle McClellan's best efforts to make a quick return from shoulder surgery last July, the results just weren't there with the Texas Rangers.
That forced the club to designate McClellan for assignment Tuesday. The Rangers recalled right-hander Josh Lindblom to replace McClellan on the roster.
McClellan, 29, pitched in seven games for the Rangers and went 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA. His last appearance Saturday ended when he surrendered a two-run homer and he had allowed runs in his last four outings. McClellan, who spent his entire career with St. Louis before signing with Texas in the offseason, had surgery last July to repair a frayed labrum and split in his right shoulder capsule.
"I like a lot of what Kyle has done and what he's capable of doing," Texas general manager Jon Daniels said. "We just feel like he probably needs a little bit more time to get the arm strength back. He was really ahead of schedule from the surgery. He was just doing so well. I think the long-term prognosis is good. He just needs more time."
Daniels said the decision to DFA McClellan doesn't necessarily mean his time with the organization is done. If no team claims him, there's a chance he could be back with the club.
Lindblom, who will be with the Rangers for a third time this year, will be used out of the bullpen and can fill different roles. He was a reliever last year for Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Dodgers but has started all year for Triple A Round Rock. He's 7-0 with a 1.99 ERA in the minors but 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA for Texas.
