After a weekend in which he drove in the only run in a 1-0 win over Minnesota with a homer, rookie catcher Taylor Teagarden was optioned back to Class AAA Oklahoma.
He will, however, receive something of a consolation prize: An all-expenses paid trip to Beijing as part of the U.S. Olympic team. With starting catcher Gerald Laird perhaps less than a week away from returning, the Rangers decided not to sacrifice Teagarden's eligibility for the Olympic team for just a couple of extra big league games. He had to be in the minors by Tuesday in order to remain eligible.
"Anytime you get sent down, you're disappointed," Teagarden told the Dallas Morning News. "But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in the Olympics. It's awesome timing for me to get my debut underneath my belt and play a few games up here. Whenever I come back up, it will be that much easier."
The Rangers had to make a move with a catcher to make room for right-hander Scott Feldman, who was scheduled to be recalled to join the bullpen, but ended up starting the game instead. The club needed an extra catcher over the weekend because Jarrod Saltalamacchia was left weak after a bout with the flu. Saltalamacchia, who has also been bothered recently by a sore groin, grabbed his groin after reaching second base late in the game Monday. He did, however, remain in the game until its completion.
RANGERS 6, WHITE SOX 1: RHP Scott Feldman, called on at the last second to replace RHP Eric Hurley, allowed just four hits over six efficient innings Monday to lead the Rangers to their third win over Chicago in four meetings this season. The Rangers had planned for Feldman to move to the bullpen to reduce his workload since he's been a reliever his entire career, but when Hurley showed up with a sore right shoulder, the plan changed. At least temporarily. Hurley is still on the DL. He could be activated for a Saturday start at Oakland or the Rangers could push him back farther.
