Rangers activate Pence, send Calhoun to minors

The Texas Rangers have activated Hunter Pence from the injured list after he missed 23 games and his chance to start in the All-Star Game.

Pence, out since June 17 with a right groin strain, was activated before Tuesday night’s game against Arizona. He was set to bat third as the designated hitter.

Outfielder Willie Calhoun was optioned to Triple-A Nashville. The Rangers also selected the contract of right-hander Taylor Guerrieri from Nashville after left-hander Jesse Biddle was placed on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder fatigue.

Pence hit .294 with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs in his 55 games before getting hurt. He was voted by fans as the American League’s starting designated hitter, but couldn’t play in last week’s game while still recovering from his injury.

Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Pence would only be the DH for at least a week. ALSO >> The Minnesota Twins have placed center fielder Byron Buxton on the seven-day injured list for players with concussion-like symptoms, just as first baseman C.J. Cron and left fielder Eddie Rosario returned from their injuries. The Twins also designated right-handed reliever Mike Morin for release or assignment Tuesday before their series opener against the New York Mets. Buxton was hurt Saturday while making a head-first, diving catch of a sinking line drive. He was sidelined for 13 games last month with a bruised right wrist . ... The St. Louis Cardinals have placed infielder Matt Carpenter on the 10day injured list with a right foot contusion . ... The Cleveland Indians say pitcher Corey Kluber will throw a bullpen session today, his first appearance on a mound since breaking his right arm on May 1. Cleveland also optioned first baseman Bobby Bradley to Triple-A Columbus and recalled right-hander Zach Plesac to start Tuesday night against Detroit.