Pence healed, returns to lineup
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Rangers 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 the Diamondbacks.
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 injured. He was voted by fans as the American League’s starting designated hitter, but couldn’t play while still recovering from his injury.
Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Pence would only be the DH for at least a week.
Calhoun, who started 17 games while Pence was out, has hit .277 with five homers and 13 RBIs in 26 games this season.
“I’m literally speechless,” said Calhoun, who was the Rangers’ primary acquisition in the trade that sent pitcher Yu Darvish to the Dodgers on July 31, 2017.
“I don’t know what else I would have done. At the end of the day, if that’s what they want to do, then I guess I’m going to have to play every day in Nashville.”
Woodward said Calhoun was told that with Pence’s return the club didn’t want to keep seven outfielders.
“It was a tough one,” Woodward said. “It kept us up. He really has done everything to stay here.”
Red Sox: RHP Andrew Cashner made his Red Sox debut at Fenway Park against the Blue Jays, allowing six runs (five earned) in five innings. Cashner was acquired Saturday from the Orioles for two 17-year-old prospects. Cashner, 32, went 9-3 with a 3.83 ERA in 17 starts for the team with the worst record in the majors. He has pitched at least six innings in his last five outings and has a 1.41 ERA since the beginning of June.
Angels: OF Mike Trout was not in the starting lineup against the AL Westleading Astros for the second straight night. Trout left Sunday’s win over the Mariners early and sat out Monday night against the Astros with a strained right calf. An MRI revealed a small strain.
Indians: Manager Terry Francona said RHP Corey Kluber has been cleared to throw a bullpen session Wednesday. Kluber has been out since May 1 when he was hit in the right forearm, fracturing his ulna bone, in a game against the Marlins . ... The team optioned 1B Bobby Bradley to Triple-A Columbus and recalled RHP Zach Plesac to start Tuesday night against the Tigers.
Cubs: With All-Star C Willson Contreras sidelined, the Cubs quickly found some experienced help behind the plate late Monday night. The NL Central leaders acquired Martin Maldonado in a trade that sent LHP Mike Montgomery to the Royals. Contreras went on the 10day injured list with a strain to the arch area of his right foot. Maldonado, 32, a Gold Glove winner in 2017 with the Angels, was batting .227 with six homers and 17 RBIs in 74 games for the Royals this season.
Yankees, Rays: