Pierzynski Headed to Disabled List

The one thing A.J. Pierzynski didn't want to happen has now officially happened.

The 16-year big-league veteran was put on the disabled list Wednesday for just the second time in his lengthy career, a day after being a late scratch in the Texas Rangers' game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Pierzynski has been dealing with a sore oblique for over a week now and had repeatedly said he was trying to avoid a DL stint. After undergoing an MRI on Wednesday, the test revealed a strained right abdominal muscle, according to the Associated Press, and that was enough to put PIerzynski on the shelf for the time being.

The move means Geovany Soto, who's hitting .212 in 10 games this season, will be the Rangers' primary catcher until Pierzynski returns, and the Rangers promoted career minor-leaguer Robinson Chirinos from Triple-A Round Rock to serve as Soto's backup.

Pierzynski hits the DL with a .263 average, four home runs and 11 RBIs in his 26 games with the Rangers. He's cooled considerably recently after a hot start, which could possibly be chalked up to his nagging injury.

Pierzynski told reporters he's mad and disappointed in himself for needing a DL stint, which is an admirable work ethic and approach, but it's better he hit the shelf in May than let it linger and be out for longer than 15 days later this summer.

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