The Rangers optioned rookie starter to Triple-A Round Rock before tonights game against Tampa Bay. That creates an active roster spot for reliever , who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list. reported the moves before the club announcement. Rocker just returned from a month-long IL stint. Hed been bothered by a shoulder impingement that knocked him out after five appearances. The James Mcarthur Jersey former third overall pick had a tough April, allowing more than eight earned runs per nine with a diminished 17% strikeout rate. He was hit hard again last night, giving up five runs on six hits and a pair of walks over 3 1/3 innings in a 5-4 lo s to Tampa Bay. The 65 righty also had an ugly mental mistake in yesterdays game. was hitting with runners on second and third and two outs in the third inning. He hit a ground-ball to first baseman . Rocker was late off the mound to cover the bag, allowing Mangum to beat it for an RBI infield single. Making matters worse, Rocker continued jogging up the first base line after Burger had flipped him the ball, which allowed the runner from second to score as well. Manager Bruce Bochy was blunt about the play postgame. The biggest (mistake) is the fundamental of covering first base. The fundamentals got us tonight. Thats a basic play. It could have saved us two runs , the veteran skipper . He just forgot the situation and the other man on third and it compounded the damage. And thats the difference in the ball game. GM Chris Young told Grant that the demotion was not a punitive decision, instead suggesting that Rocker needs further development time in the minors. Its difficult to argue given his results this season. The 25-year-old has very little minor league experience. He underwent Tommy John surgery early in 2023, his first full profe sional season. That sidelined him until late last year, when he dominated minor league hitters to earn his MLB debut. He made only 10 minor league appearances, though, to sing 36 2/3 frames overall. Hes made just three career Triple-A starts one of which was a rehab outing after this years shoulder injury. This temporarily drops Texas to a four-man rotation of , , and . Theyre without until at least next Friday as he battles a triceps i sue. Theyre off on Monday, so they could get by with a four-man rotation if Eovaldi returns after a minimal stint. They could otherwise use a bullpen game or potentially reselect onto the 40-man roster if they need to buy some time. Nick Loftin Jersey