Rangers Activate Mike Napoli
By Editorial Staff
Mike Napoli returned to Texas last night and was activated before the Rangers game against the Orioles.
Napoli wasn’t in the starting lineup Monday, but did pinch hit for Texas and contributed a double and scored a run. Going forward he should be a regular behind the plate and at first base for the Rangers.
Napoli has been out since June 11th dealing with a sore oblique. The backstop received treatment and then went on a rehab stint for the Rangers which he completed this weekend.
He was ridiculous at the plate during his time in the minors, maintaining an OPS of 1.267 over his 4 games. All of his hits were of the extra base variety, three home runs and a double.
Texas and Napoli are hoping the power surge can carry over to the majors, and if his single at bat Monday is any indication it looks like it may.
"“It will be nice to have his presence and his bat,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “Nap’s a gamer. It’s nice to put another one in the lineup.”"
To make room on their roster for Napoli, the Rangers have sent catcher Taylor Teagarden back to Triple-A.
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