ARLINGTON -- The Rangers on Wednesday placed right-hander Lucas Harrell on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin, an injury he sustained in his start against the A's on Tuesday. Right-hander Nick Martínez has been recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to take Harrell's place on the roster but will pitch in a relief role.
Harrell has made four starts since being acquired from the Braves on July 27, along with left-hander Dario Álvarez, for Minor League infielder Travis Demeritte. Through those four starts, he had a 5.60 ERA and 1.93 WHIP.
The Rangers will start A.J. Griffin on Saturday, Harrell's next scheduled start, against the Rays. They will be able to keep Griffin on regular rest because of an off-day on Thursday.
Harrell left Tuesday's game after just two innings. He said he experienced tightness in his right groin after the second batter he faced in the second inning, during which he walked in a run. His early exit necessitated an eight-inning, five-man effort from the bullpen in Texas' extra-inning win.
Martinez, who was scheduled to start for Round Rock on Wednesday, will provide the bullpen with an eighth man as it recovers.
"I'm just getting myself ready for any situation that they need me," Martinez said. "Things [in Round Rock] are going great; I'm going to continue my work and doing my stuff to get me back up here."
Martinez will be making his fourth stint with the Rangers this season. He's 0-2 with a 7.61 ERA in five starts but has a 3.38 ERA over two relief appearances. He has a 0.98 ERA in 10 career Major League relief outings.