Texas placed 1B-S Mark Teixeira on the disabled list yesterday. Teixeira first felt a problem in his left side during the Rangers' April 12th game against the Angels. He sat out and received a cortisone shot on Tuesday. However, a strained oblique normally requires extended rest to fully heal, so when Teixeira didn't respond immediately, the Rangers decided to place him on the DL. Texas hasn't placed a timetable on Teixeira's return but with an injury of this nature six weeks is a solid initial estimate.

The Rangers called up 1B-L Adrian Gonzalez to replace Teixeira on the roster. Since Texas allowed Gonzalez to remain comfortably at AA instead of challenging him with a promotion to AAA after acquiring him in the Ugueth Urbina trade last July, I expect little from him offensively during his first stint in the majors. Unfortunately, Texas doesn't even appear prepared to grant Gonzalez at-bats to work on developing his skills now that he's in the majors. CR-R Herbert Perry reportedly will receive the majority of the playing time at first base as long as he's healthy. Perry endurance is in question given the fact that he underwent shoulder surgery last June and surgery on both his knees last August. Since he has an excellent reputation as a fielder, the Rangers likely will use Gonzalez as a defensive replacement later in games to help keep Perry fresh. However, I fail to understand the logic of removing a top prospect from his training at AAA to fill a minor bench role in the majors. DH-L Brad Fullmer is qualified to play first, so Texas could have called up any warm body to fill out the bench. Hopefully Gonzalez will take advantage of this opportunity to experience the trappings of the majors while not allowing his limited role and likely disappointing production to affect his confidence.

On Wednesday, Texas placed RHP Mickey Callaway on the DL with an inflamed ulnar nerve in his right elbow. The Rangers called up Ryan Drese to replace Callaway on the roster.