Texas

Rangers

After electing free agency earlier in the week, Kelenic is back with the Rangers on a minor league deal. He’ll report back to Triple-A Round Rock where he’ll continue to function as extra outfield depth for the Rangers until another need arises in Arlington.

Ross, 33, elected free agency on Wednesday rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side though and he’ll return to the Rangers on a minor league pact. He should get another opportunity with the big league club at some point this summer.

Díaz got the party started in the second inning with a 414-foot (102.3-mph EV) solo shot off of Framber Valdez in the second inning that started a three-run rally. He also singled and scored on an RBI knock by Nicky Lopez during the Rangers’ three-run seventh inning. The 35-year-old backstop has impressed in his limited action this season, slashing .300/.315/.557 with four homers and 16 RBI in 73 plate appearances.

Smith entered the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning and ambushed a first-pitch fastball from Beau Brieske for a 406-foot (104.1-mph EV) solo shot that increased the Rangers’ lead to 6-3. He also added an RBI single in the seventh that made it a 9-3 ballgame. This was a nice highlight in what has otherwise been a forgettable season for Smith. The versatile 28-year-old is slashing an anemic .238/.331/.295 with just one home run, eight RBI and two stolen bases in 121 plate appearances.

Carter entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning where he reached on an infield single and came around to score on an RBI knock by Alejandro Osuna. He then crushed a 422-foot (104.4-mph EV) solo shot off of Kyle Finnegan in the eighth inning that increased the Rangers’ lead to 10-4. With his two-hit attack, the 23-year-old outfielder is now slashing .186/.295/.338 with seven homers, 22 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 241 plate appearances on the year.

Eovaldi racked up nine strikeouts on the night while allowing just one walk. He carried a no-hit bid into the fifth inning, then fell apart a bit as he allowed a solo homer to Colt Keith and a two-run blast to Hao-Yu Lee. The 36-year-old hurler generated 18 swings and misses on 85 pitches in the game, posting an elite CSW of 38 percent. Now 9-7, he’ll bring a 4.02 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and a 110/24 K/BB ratio (105 1/3 innings) into Thursday’s showdown against the Angels.

Espinal elected free agency from the Dodgers in mid-June after refusing an outright assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 31-year-old hit .268 (15-for-56) with one home run and seven RBI in 31 games during his time with the Dodgers. He’ll add quality infield depth for the Rangers and should get an opportunity with the big league club in relatively short order.

Voth elected free agency from the Twins last week rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A St. Paul. The 34-year-old right-hander has made three appearances in the big leagues this season, posting a 9.90 ERA, 2.50 WHIP and a 3/6 K/BB ratio over 10 innings between the Twins and Blue Jays.

It remains to be seen whether or not the 30-year-old right-hander will accept the assignment or elect to peddle his wares on the open market once again. Paddack holds a 6.79 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and a 40/19 K/BB ratio over 57 innings in 14 appearances (nine starts) between the Marlins, Reds and Rangers this season.

It’s the first trip to the big leagues for Peoples, who was acquired from the White Sox on Tuesday. The 25-year-old right-hander has compiled a 2.39 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 45/21 K/BB ratio across 37 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season. He’ll add another weapon from the right side for manager Skip Schumaker to deploy out of his bullpen.