Rangers activate Tocci from DL; option Alberto
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ANAHEIM -- The Rangers are still trying to find a way to hang on to outfielder Carlos Tocci, who was activated from the disabled list Saturday.
Tocci is a Rule 5 pick from the Phillies who must stay with the Rangers or be subjected to Rule 5 conditions. If Texas cuts him from its roster, he would go through waivers to allow other teams to claim him, and if he clears waivers, he must be offered back to the Phillies.
The Rangers can't simply hide Tocci on the disabled list; he must spend at least 90 days on the active roster. Saturday marked the 25th day.
Tocci was placed on the disabled April 22 with a bruised left hip after going 2-for-25 in his first 11 games with the Rangers. He played in 13 games on a rehab assignment combined between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock and had a combined nine hits in 43 at-bats.
"He's got premium defensive skills," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "We still feel the ball and the bat will continue to develop. He has a baserunning skill set. We feel he is a player who can continue to develop and be a premium defender in the outfield."
To make room for him, infielder Hanser Alberto was optioned to Round Rock.