DENVER — The Texas Rangers swapped out their youngest relief pitcher for their oldest.
The club activated right-handed pitcher Chris Martin from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-handed pitcher Gavin Collyer to Triple-A Round Rock before Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Martin, 39, has been sidelined since April 15 with a right shoulder impingement. He posted a 7.11 ERA in eight games before his injury, allowed four runs in a minor league rehab assignment at Round Rock last week and acknowledged that he’s “stumped” at how opponents have teed off against his splitter this season.
Collyer, 25, may be a victim of circumstances as much as anything else. The Rangers used five relief pitchers in Monday’s loss after left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore exited early with an injury and needed bullpen coverage for the remainder of the series. Collyer, who has a full slate of options left to burn, pitched in consecutive games on Sunday and Monday and threw 35 pitches in the process.
The camp standout made a good impression in his first stint with the big league club. Collyer posted a 2.84 ERA in 14 games, struck out 10 batters and had some of the best pure stuff in the bullpen.