ARLINGTON, Texas - The Texas Rangers overhauled their second-base spot Thursday by purchasing the contract of Rougned Odor from Double-A Frisco and recalling his double play partner Luis Sardinas.
The Rangers made the moves after putting Donnie Murphy on the disabled list with a strained neck and designating Opening Day second baseman Josh Wilson for assignment.
Odor, who was hitting .279 at Frisco, will draw about four or five starts a week at second base. Sardinas will see action at second base, shortstop and third base as the Ranger bide their time with both Murphy and Jurickson Profar both on the disabled list.
"We felt bringing them both maybe takes a little bit of pressure off each of them so that neither of them necessarily has to carry the load, give Wash (Ron Washington) some different options he can use and play as he sees fit," Texas general manager Jon Daniels said. "Maybe just a little chance for more offense at second base. We've scuffled offensively at a few spots and second base is internally a place we've had a chance to upgrade."
Daniels said he didn't think Murphy would be down for 15 days but with the Rangers already short on their bench from carrying an eighth reliever the club couldn't afford to wait for him to get healthy. Murphy hurt his neck tripping in a play at first base Wednesday.
Odor, 20, had a nine-game hitting streak going for Frisco and was batting .421 in that stretch.
"I feel very happy to be here and fulfill my dream," said Odor, who opened eyes with impressive spring training. "I'm ready to play baseball."
While the pair of 20-year-olds will had some youth to the Texas lineup, manager Ron Washington isn't looking for the club to add a spark to the offense. He doesn't think it's necessary.
"My offense doesn't need energy," Washington said. "When you don't hit, you're not running the bases, it looks like you're dead. Did it look like we didn't have energy in Anaheim when we were kicking their butt? We've got to swing the bat, score some runs and run the bases and then I think it will look like everyone has energy."
Germano had a 3.41 ERA in 37 innings for Round Rock, with all of that work coming as a starter. Texas will be the seventh major league team Germano has played for.
The club also made a pitching move Thursday, calling up right-hander Justin Germano from Round Rock and designating Scott Baker for assignment. Baker was brought up Wednesday and then pitching 5 1/3 innings in relief of Colby Lewis.
Murphy is hitting .211 with one homer and seven RBI for the Rangers and will be eligible to come off the DL May 23. Wilson was batting .225 with eight RBI. The club has 10 days to trade, release or outright both Wilson and Baker.
