ARLINGTON, Texas – The Texas Rangers have made a pair of roster moves, putting Jeff Baker on the disabled list and optioned first baseman Chris McGuiness to Round Rock.
To take the roster spots, the team has recalled left-handed pitcher Joseph Ortiz and catcher Robinson Chirinos.
Baker is on the DL with a sprained right thumb. The move is retroactive to June 13. Baker hurt the thumb while exchanging a high five with a teammate.
He had cortisone shot Saturday but still can't grip a bat or ball. The Rangers had hoped he'd be ready to play this weekend in St. Louis, but he couldn't guarantee that would be the case.
"It's progressing," Baker said. "It's just kind of progressing in baby steps. The decision was made. We'll try to get healthy and be ready to go when the time to come off is up. It's frustrating when something is out of your control and non-baseball related."
McGuiness hit .176 in nine starts with the Rangers. Lance Berkman drew the start at first base Tuesday night and Mitch Moreland is expected to be activated Friday.
Both Ortiz and Chirinos have each already had stints with the Rangers. Ortiz made the Opening Day roster and has appeared in 20 games with the Rangers, posting a 5.13 ERA and a 2-1 record. Chirinos hit .250 in three games with Texas.
Ortiz gives the Rangers another left-hander to spell Neal Cotts and Robbie Ross, both of whom pitched in Monday's 8-7 victory over Oakland.
Chirinos can also play first base and may do so either Wednesday or Thursday against Oakland. Texas manager Ron Washington said he'd see how Lance Berkman responded at first base before making that decision.
