Rangers add Otanez, option Ahlstrom

The Rangers' starters have not been going deep into games of late, and with the usage of the bullpen in the Boston series, the Rangers opted to get a fresh arm up. I had thought that Ahlstrom, who has struggled of late and pitched on Thursday, would be sent down in favor of Winston Santos, who would give the Rangers a multi-inning guy for length in case of a blowout.

Instead, Texas opted for Otanez, who had been claimed on waivers by the Rangers this winter, but who was designated for assignment in June, cleared waivers, and was outrighted. The 29 year old has an unimpressive 4.42 in 55 innings over 50 appearances for Round Rock this season, with 74 Ks against 42 walks, but since a 5 run outing in Tacoma in late June, Otanez has a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings, with 35 Ks and 13 walks. It may be he's turned a corner.