ARLINGTON, Texas – The Texas Rangers placed outfielder Josh Hamilton on the 15-day disabled list prior to Friday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox because of a strained left rib cage muscle.
The Rangers made the move retroactive to Monday in part to create a roster spot for catcher Max Ramirez, recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma on Friday to serve as the backup while regular catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia recovers from eye irritation.
Marlon Byrd will remain Texas’ primary center fielder in Hamilton’s absence.
Saltalamacchia, who left Thursday’s game against Oakland in the second inning when his vision became impaired by irritation under his contact lenses, stayed home on Friday to treat the problem.
Backup Taylor Teagarden got the start against the White Sox, and will remain the starter as long as Saltalamacchia is out. The Rangers needed a backup to Teagarden, and Ramirez is the team’s top minor league catcher.
Manager Ron Washington said Saltalamacchia has been advised by an eye specialist to remain in darkened rooms to give his eyes a chance to get better.
Athletics’ Chavez back on DL
SEATTLE – Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez is back on the disabled list.
Chavez was placed on the 15-day DL on Friday with a strained right forearm. The move was retroactive to April 25. The A’s recalled infielder Gregorio Petit from Triple-A Sacramento to take Chavez’s roster spot.
Chavez played in just eight games and was hitting only .100 (3 for 30), before landing on the DL for the fourth time in the past three years. Chavez played in just 23 games last year after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and has appeared in just 121 games in the last three seasons.
Mariners activate Johjima
SEATTLE – Catcher Kenji Johjima was activated from the 15-day disabled list and inserted into the Seattle Mariners lineup.
Johjima rejoined the Mariners before Friday’s game against the Oakland Athletics. Johjima was placed on the disabled list April 16 after leaving a game a day earlier with tightness in his right hamstring. Before getting injured, Johjima was hitting .250 with four RBIs in seven games.
To make room for Johjima, the Mariners designated catcher Jamie Burke for assignment.
White Sox promote Podsednik
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Chicago White Sox purchased the contract of center fielder Scott Podsednik from Triple-A Charlotte and placed outfielder Brian Anderson, a former Canyon del Oro High School and University of Arizona player, on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained side muscle.
The White Sox on Friday also sent outfielder Jerry Owens to Charlotte and activated infielder Jayson Nix from the DL.
Podsednik helped the White Sox win the World Series in 2005, hitting a game-winning homer off Houston closer Brad Lidge in Game 2.
Podsednik played for Colorado in 2008, then was released by the Rockies on April 1.