Texas Rangers Activate Tommy Hunter, Designate Dave Bush

Exactly three months into the 2011 MLB season, RHP Tommy Hunter has now been activated by the Texas Rangers; however, it isn’t as his original role, which was to be part of the Rangers’ starting rotation prior to injuring himself (a strained groin) just before the conclusion of Spring Training and just hours after being named a starter leading to RHP Alexi Ogando making a debut as a starter in Hunter’s place.

Hunter has been added to the bullpen, which means that the Rangers had to let one of the relief pitchers go. They chose to designate RHP Dave Bush for assignment, which I can’t necessarily say I disagree with their choice. This season, Bush has gone 0-1 for the Rangers and holds a 5.79 ERA in 17 games, three of which were spot starts.

Hunter is set to be ready to pitch tonight as needed against the Florida Marlins. The club feels that Hunter can be a huge advantage in the bullpen and I definitely could see him doing well as a set-up man needing to pitch several innings. It was just last night that Hunter was throwing a mid-90s fastball in relief for Round Rock.

As for Bush, the Rangers will now have 10 days to decide whether to trade the right-handed pitcher, release him or just outright put him in the Minors.