Rangers Notes: Wilson’s Slam Leads to Sweep over Tigers

Bobby Wilson hit his first career grand slam Sunday off Detroit right-hander Mark Lowe, helping the Rangers complete a three-game sweep.

Less than one week after he was traded from Detroit back to Texas, catcher Bobby Wilson delivered in a big way against his former club on Sunday when he connected for his first career grand slam as part of an 8-3 victory over the Tigers.

Sunday’s win also wrapped up a three-game weekend sweep for the Rangers, their first regular-season series sweep at Comerica Park in more than a decade (Aug. 2004).

The series began with a 5-1 win for Texas behind ace Cole Hamels on Friday. Hamels recorded nine strikeouts and allowed just one hit across seven shutout innings in his matchup against American League ERA leader Jordan Zimmermann.

Texas scored first with a two-out, two-run rally off Zimmermann in the top of the second, then added another run on Rougned Odor’s solo homer in the fifth. Odor later laced an opposite-field double to drive in two more runs against Justin Wilson in the ninth inning.

On Saturday, Detroit starter Mike Pelfrey carried a 5-2 lead into the sixth before allowing a single to Odor, a double to Nomar Mazara and a home run to Adrian Beltre as the Rangers tied the ballgame.

Pelfrey was replaced by left-handed reliever Kyle Ryan, who hit Ian Desmond with a pitch before yielding a two-run, go-ahead homer to Mitch Moreland.

Texas would later tack on three more runs versus the Tigers’ bullpen to make for a 10-5 final, receiving scoreless relief work from the quartet of Tom Wilhelmsen, Jake Diekman, Tony Barnette and Shawn Tolleson over the last four innings.

Former A.L. MVP and Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander had his best start of the year for Detroit in Sunday afternoon’s finale, striking out nine Texas batters across seven shutout frames and turning a 2-0 lead over to the bullpen.

Southpaw Justin Wilson was greeted by consecutive singles to begin the top of the eighth before he was replaced by Mark Lowe without recording an out. Lowe quickly let both inherited runners score and intentionally walked Moreland to face Elvis Andrus.

Although he was just an out away from escaping the jam, Lowe hit Andrus with a pitch to load the bases for Bobby Wilson, who sent Lowe’s second pitch over the left-field wall for a go-ahead grand slam.

Delino DeShields immediately followed with a home run of his own to pad the Texas lead, and Alex Claudio worked around an RBI from J.D. Martinez in the ninth to close out the 8-3 win and seal the sweep.

After their trip to Detroit, the Rangers returned to Globe Life Park this week and took two out of three games against the Chicago White Sox, dropping Monday’s opener when Todd Frazier blasted a twelfth-inning grand slam off Cesar Ramos.

Texas provided more late heroics Tuesday with a seven-run outburst that turned an 11-6 deficit into a 13-11 lead in a wild bottom of the eighth, capped by Ryan Rua’s three-run homer to straightaway center against veteran Matt Albers.

The Rangers were forced to play from behind yet again in Wednesday’s rubber match, getting the eventual game-winning tally on an RBI single from Adrian Beltre before a near-spotless bullpen performance wrapped up a 6-5 victory.

Ranaudo Brought Up, Sent Down & Traded

Right-hander Anthony Ranaudo was called up from Triple-A Round Rock Friday while fellow righty Phil Klein was optioned to the Express, a move designed to introduce a fresh arm into the Texas bullpen.

Ranaudo was optioned back to Round Rock on Wednesday after allowing five earned runs on five walks in Tuesday’s game, then traded to the White Sox on Thursday for minor-league pitcher Matt Ball.

In two relief appearances for the Rangers this year, Ranaudo yielded seven earned runs across three and two-thirds innings of work, posting an unsightly 17.18 ERA for the season.

As for Bell, the 21-year-old had made 10 appearances for Kannapolis in the Chicago farm system and was assigned to Low-A Hickory following the trade.

Stubbs Re-Joins Outfield Mix

Native Texan Drew Stubbs – who hooked on with Atlanta just prior to the season and appeared in 20 games for the Braves – was signed Saturday to a major-league deal by the Rangers.

Stubbs, 31, spent the final month of last season (as well as spring training this year) with Texas, but he exercised an opt-out provision in his contract when Justin Ruggiano made the Rangers’ Opening Day roster over him.

The fleet-footed University of Texas product can cover ample territory in center field, and manager Jeff Banister will likely put Stubbs’ excellent speed to use as a pinch-runner and late-game defensive replacement.

Left-hander Alex Claudio was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock and outfielder Josh Hamilton was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Stubbs, respectively, on the 25- and 40-man rosters.

Shoulder Woes Put Griffin on Shelf

Right-hander A.J. Griffin was removed from his start in Detroit on Saturday with stiffness in his throwing shoulder, then placed on the 15-day disabled list the following day while Alex Claudio was recalled.

An MRI performed Wednesday revealed no structural damage in Griffin’s arm, although there is currently no timetable for his return to the mound.

Griffin – a non-roster invitee in spring training – has been spectacular as the Rangers’ No. 5 starter this year, holding opponents to a .195 batting average while recording 28 strikeouts against just two home runs allowed.

Rangers Notes: Mazara Goes Deep in Big-League Debut

Pressed into service because of Shin-Soo Choo’s injury, 20-year-old Nomar Mazara homered in his MLB debut Sunday in Anaheim.

Much like fellow top prospect Joey Gallo did last summer, outfielder Nomar Mazara received an early call to the majors this week and showcased his trademark power in a spectacular big-league debut on Sunday afternoon at Angel Stadium.

Mazara had played just three games for Triple-A Round Rock when he was summoned to Southern California late Saturday after Shin-Soo Choo was scratched from the Texas lineup. Choo was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day with a strained calf, and Mazara was officially added to the Rangers’ active roster.

Batting second in the Texas order against Angels starter Jered Weaver, Mazara collected his first hit in his very first at-bat, waiting on a 64-mile-per-hour curveball and lacing it up the middle for a clean single.

Mazara lined another single into the right-center field gap in the top of the third inning, then added a towering home run in the fifth that carried over the head of center fielder Mike Trout and put the Rangers on the board.

Unfortunately, the 20-year-old rookie was the only Texas player to do any real damage against Weaver and the Los Angeles bullpen Sunday as the Angels earned a four-game split with a 3-1 victory.

“It would have been better if we had gotten the [win],” Mazara said after the game. “I wasn’t surprised. I went out there and tried to have fun and have everything just come normal, and that’s what I did. I enjoyed the game and tried to get the first one out of the way.”

Mazara, who went on to notch base hits in each of his next two games as well, is expected to remain the Rangers’ regular right fielder until Choo comes back from the DL (four to six weeks).

A much more serious injury was sustained by catcher Robinson Chirinos on Saturday when he fractured his right forearm while swinging at a pitch from Garrett Richards. The pitch appeared to hit Chirinos as he offered an awkward check swing, but replays showed his bat had deflected the ball off his back arm.

Chirinos actually finished the at-bat and drove a long fly ball to right, but he was immediately replaced behind the plate by Bryan Holaday.

On Sunday, the contract of 27-year-old Brett Nicholas was purchased from Round Rock when Chirinos was placed on the 60-day disabled list. Chirinos’ broken arm could keep him sidelined for up to three months.

The first road trip of the year for Texas was bookended with walk-off losses to the Angels and Mariners (courtesy of Albert Pujols and Dae-Ho Lee, respectively), but the Rangers won four out of five games in between.

Cole Hamels improved to 2-0 on the young season with six solid innings in his appearance last weekend in Anaheim, and Colby Lewis and Derek Holland each turned in quality starts as the Rangers took two out of three in Seattle.

Ruggiano DFA’d to Accommodate Griffin

Texas had to make a corresponding roster move before right-hander A.J. Griffin made his first start for the club on Friday, so outfielder Justin Ruggiano was designated for assignment and outrighted to Round Rock two days later.

The 34-year-old Ruggiano played in just one game for the Rangers this season, getting the start in left field and going 1-for-4 in last Wednesday’s series finale against the Mariners.

Griffin, who had not pitched in the big leagues since 2013, earned the victory in his first game versus Los Angeles before receiving a no-decision Wednesday at Safeco Field.

In an effort to get a fresh arm in the bullpen ahead of Griffin’s second start, right-hander Phil Klein was optioned to Triple-A while lefty reliever Alex Claudio was called up.

Farm Clubs off to Sizzling Start

The team’s top four minor-league affiliates began the season with a combined record of 21-6, encompassing Triple-A Round Rock (5-2), Double-A Frisco (5-1), High-A High Desert (5-2) and Low-A Hickory (6-1).

The Texas farm system was ranked seventh-best among all MLB teams by Baseball America before spring training, and five players in the Rangers organization – Joey Gallo, Lewis Brinson, Nomar Mazara, Luis Ortiz and Dillon Tate – cracked the BA Top 100 Prospects list.

Rangers Notes: Cactus League Wrap-Up

Former TCU Horned Frog Bryan Holaday will join the Rangers in Arlington this weekend for their exhibition games against Cleveland.

Amid the usual flurry of in-house roster moves that accompanies the end of spring training, Texas dealt catcher Bobby Wilson and right-handed pitcher Myles Jaye to Detroit on Tuesday in exchange for 28-year-old backstop Bryan Holaday.

A Dallas native who attended W.T. White High School before playing for TCU, Holaday is expected to be on the club’s Opening Day roster as the primary backup to Robinson Chirinos. Chris Gimenez had been penciled into the backup role all spring, but an ankle infection has put his status in jeopardy.

Holaday was facing an uphill battle for playing time as a member of the Tigers, with starting catcher Brian McCann and free-agent signee Jarrod Saltalamacchia both ahead of him on the depth chart.

Since he was out of minor-league options, Holaday would have needed to clear waivers if Detroit wanted to outright him to Triple-A – a scenario that was unlikely after he batted an impressive .438 with four home runs and 12 runs batted in across just 16 Grapefruit League games this spring.

The Rangers were reported to have explored trades for Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy as well as San Diego’s Derek Norris during the offseason, but nothing ever came to fruition with those teams.

Left-handed reliever Sam Freeman was designated for assignment in order to clear a spot for Holaday on the 40-man roster.

A.J. Griffin (who has not pitched in a major-league game since 2013) appears to have won the competition for the fifth spot in the Texas rotation, although the ballclub has not made any official announcement to that end.

In-house contenders Chi Chi Gonzalez and Nick Tepesch were sent to the minors last Friday, and non-roster invitee Jeremy Guthrie was granted his release on Monday after learning he would not be in the rotation to start the season.

Right-hander Nick Martinez was then optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday afternoon, leaving Griffin as the last man standing in a race that saw no candidate emerge as a clear front-runner.

Also Tuesday, infielder Pedro Ciriaco was re-assigned to the team’s minor-league camp, a sign that offseason favorite Hanser Alberto has indeed won the utility bench role for Texas.

The Rangers completed the Cactus League portion of spring training with a 17-13 record (plus one tie), and they will host Cleveland for two exhibition games this weekend at Globe Life Park before opening the season Monday versus Seattle.

Stubbs Released, Signed by Atlanta

Outfielder Drew Stubbs was given his release on Tuesday after opting out of his minor-league contract with Texas, and he was signed to a similar deal with the Atlanta Braves the next very day.

Stubbs – who appeared in 31 games for Texas down the stretch and into the playoffs last year – became a free agent following the World Series, and he tested the open market before eventually returning to the Rangers on a minor-league pact in late February.

In another roster move, 27-year-old outfielder James Jones was re-assigned to minor-league camp on Saturday, leaving right-handed batters Ryan Rua and Justin Ruggiano as the remaining options to fill the team’s backup outfield role.

Grieve, Jones Tabbed for First Pitch

Longtime Rangers broadcaster Tom Grieve and coach Bobby Jones will throw out the ceremonial first pitch(es) before Monday’s regular season opener at Globe Life Park.

Grieve and Jones both began their playing careers in the Washington Senators organization before the franchise moved to Texas, and each is celebrating his 50th year in professional baseball.

Left-hander Cole Hamels (13-8 record/2.46 ERA/215 strikeouts in 2015) is slated to take the hill Monday against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez (18-9/3.53/191) at 3:05 p.m.

Rangers Notes: Cactus League Update No. 2

Prince Fielder, hitting just .143 with no extra-base hits this spring, was diagnosed with sleep apnea last week.

Although spring training statistics mean nothing once the regular season begins, the Rangers have looked sharp so far with a Cactus League record of 8-3-1 while leading all MLB teams in batting average (.326) as well as on-base percentage (.389).

The two most significant developments of camp have come from the right side of the Texas infield, where second baseman Rougned Odor has been dealing with tightness in his oblique muscle while first baseman Prince Fielder learned what had been causing him to have restless nights.

Fielder came back to the metroplex to undergo a sleep study last Wednesday, and he returned to the team’s spring complex in Arizona on Friday with a diagnosis of sleep apnea.

“I wasn’t panicking,” Fielder said. “I just wanted to make sure I was okay. I felt like I was sleeping long, but I wasn’t feeling rested. That was my concern, trying to figure out what was wrong with that.

“Now that I know what it is, it’s good. I can breathe through the night now.”

As for Odor, he was scratched from the starting lineup last Tuesday with a strained right oblique muscle and has not played since. In his absence, non-roster invitees Pedro Ciriaco and Drew Robinson have received most of the playing time at second base for Texas.

After taking full batting practice on Sunday, the Rangers are hopeful that Odor can return to action later this week.

Elsewhere on the diamond, outfielders Ryan Rua and Justin Ruggiano have both worked out at first base, where they could be used as a right-handed complement to Fielder or Mitch Moreland.

Ian Desmond is continuing his transition from shortstop to left field, reaching out to four-time Gold Glove award winner Alex Gordon for advice on making the switch from corner infield to corner outfield.

Each of the top four members of the projected starting rotation (Cole Hamels, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis and Martin Perez) have appeared in at least one “A” game, with candidates for the fifth spot (Chi Chi Gonzalez, Jeremy Guthrie, Nick Martinez and Nick Tepesch) receiving starts as well.

Out of the bullpen, newcomer Tony Barnette began the spring with three straight scoreless outings before allowing a pair of runs Friday against Milwaukee, and closer Shawn Tolleson has not appeared in a game yet because of tightness in his lower back.

Beltre Seeks Three-Year Deal

It was reported Wednesday that third baseman Adrian Beltre is interested in a contract extension that could keep him with the Rangers beyond his 40th birthday.

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Beltre – who will turn 37 in April – would like a three-year deal from the ballclub in the range of $19 million annually, similar to the one Pablo Sandoval received from Boston last winter.

Beltre will earn $18 million this season, which is the last of the six-year deal he signed with Texas in January 2011.

The four-time All-Star batted .287 with 32 doubles last year while playing most of the season with a torn ligament in his left thumb, which he had surgically repaired following the playoffs.

Deglan among First Roster Cuts

Left-handed-hitting catcher Kellin Deglan was one of three players re-assigned to minor-league camp by the Rangers on Saturday, along with pitchers Miles Jaye and Scott Williams.

Deglan, 23, was taken out of high school by Texas in the first round of the 2010 draft (No. 22 overall) and has made a steady climb through the Rangers’ farm system over the past six seasons.

Jaye and Williams, both non-roster righties, had appeared in two Cactus League games apiece for Texas.

(UPDATE: In another round of roster moves Monday afternoon, right-hander Steve Johnson was released while Pat Kivlehan was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock and Jose Leclerc, Yohander Mendez and Connor Sadzeck were optioned to Double-A Frisco.)

Rangers Notes: Texas Adds Ruggiano for Outfield Depth

In 83 at-bats against left-handed pitchers last year, Justin Ruggiano batted .301 with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .948.

The Rangers signed well- traveled outfielder Justin Ruggiano on Thursday to a $1.65 million contract for next season, giving Texas a right-handed option behind starters Josh Hamilton and Shin-Soo Choo.

Ruggiano, who was born in Austin and attended Blinn College as well as Texas A&M University, spent much of the 2015 campaign with Seattle before joining the Dodgers in September. Across a total of 57 games last year, he hit .248 with eight doubles and 20 runs scored.

“My family and I couldn’t be happier about it,” Ruggiano said about returning to his roots in the Lone Star State.

“My son is starting kindergarten this year. I think he’s lived in 13 different states or cities since he was born. It’s nice to have some normalcy and also get a chance for the team I grew up watching.”

Originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2004, Ruggiano was sent to Tampa Bay in 2006 and made his major-league debut the following year.

He enjoyed his best MLB season after joining the Marlins’ lineup in the summer of 2012, connecting for 13 home runs and 23 doubles while stealing 14 bases and getting starts at all three outfield positions.

One year later, Ruggiano played in a career-high 128 games for Miami and set personal bests in homers (18), walks (41) and RBIs (50), but his batting average dipped to .222 as he struck out 114 times.

Following stints with the Cubs, Mariners and Dodgers, the pull-hitting Ruggiano is expected to make an impact for Texas against the lefty-heavy American League West division.

His career on-base plus slugging percentage against southpaws (.856) ranks 10^th-best among active outfielders with at least 500 plate appearances, an asset that the Rangers can utilize backing up Choo or, more specifically, Hamilton.

“The reality is Josh has had two knee surgeries since toward the end of the year,” Texas general manager Jon Daniels said.

“We want to be protected, and we want to protect him by giving him strategic days off. If Josh goes down or isn’t swinging the bat well, we have a veteran hitter with some pop.”

Jones Re-Signed; Jaye Acquired from Chicago

Outfielder James Jones was re-signed by Texas to a minor-league deal on Dec. 10, one week after he had been non-tendered by the ballclub ahead of the winter meetings.

The Rangers non-tendered Jones to create roster flexibility in case they made an addition at the meetings, but nothing ultimately panned out.

Jones, acquired last month from Seattle as part of the Leonys Martin trade, hit seven triples and stole 25 bases in 72 games for Triple-A Tacoma last year.

In another minor move, Texas traded left-handed pitcher Will Lamb to the White Sox for right-hander Myles Jaye, who went 12-9 with 104 strikeouts across 26 starts last season for Chicago’s Double-A affiliate.

Texas Signs Barnette, Wilson

The Rangers added to their stable of right-handed relievers when Tony Barnette agreed to a two-year contract (with a club option for 2018) worth $3.5 million.

Barnette was originally drafted by Arizona but spent the past six years pitching for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan, where he had collected 97 saves over 244 relief appearances since 2011.

Texas also re-signed catcher Bobby Wilson to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to spring training, which is now just two months away.