Sports

Rangers Send Struggling DeShields To Triple-A Round Rock

July 24, 2018 / 3:34 PM CDT / CBS Texas

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ARLINGTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - The Texas Rangers announced Tuesday the club optioned outfielder Delino DeShields to Triple-A Round Rock and recalled left-handed pitcher Brandon Mann from Round Rock.

DeShields has batted .204 with 2 home runs and 18 RBI over 77 games with Texas this season, including a team-high 75 starts in center field.

Delino DeShields #3 of the Texas Rangers stands on the field after he lines out with a runner on base to end the ninth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

The club's Opening Day centerfielder was on the 10-day disabled list from March 31-April 21 with a fractured hamate bone in his left hand.

DeShields leads the American League with 10 bunt hits and 9 sacrifice bunts, also ranking tied for fourth in the league with a team-high 18 stolen bases. DeShields' .065 (3-46) batting average this month is the lowest for any MLB player (minimum 50 plate appearances).

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 23: Delino DeShields #3 of the Texas Rangers hits a two-run single against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning of the game on June 23, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Mann has posted no record and a 1.50 ERA (1 ER/6.0 IP) over 4 relief appearances spanning two stints with Texas this season (also May 13-23 and June 15-16) in his first major league action. He last pitched for the Rangers on June 15 vs. Colorado (1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R-ER).

Mann has spent the balance of the season with the Express, going 3-0 with a 2.54 ERA (11 ER/39.0 IP) across 29 games/one start. At Triple-A, he has produced a 1.179 WHIP figure while averaging 7.8 strikeouts per 9 innings and just 0.5 home runs per 9. Mann's last outing with Round Rock was on Friday at Omaha (1.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 SO, 17 pitches/9 strikes).

The Rangers are currently in last place in the American League West division with a 42-59 record.