There hasn't been a more reluctant, bitter trip to the disabled list in recent memory than that of Texas Rangers catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who made just the second trip to the DL of his big-league career that's spanned two decades with an oblique strain.
Now, Pierzynski can finally get back on the field, something he's been champing at the bit to do for about a week now, as he was activated from the DL Monday night after the Rangers' loss to Oakland and after playing the second of a short two-game rehab stint at Double-A Frisco.
He's set to start the Rangers' game against Oakland on Tuesday night, weather permitting, and is set to catch Yu Darvish a day after the Rangers dropped the series opener behind spot, call-up starter Josh Lindblom.
Pierzynski caught one game of his short stint in Frisco and was the designated hitter in the other, going 1-for-3 with an infield single on Monday.
"I thought today would be more of a test," Pierzynski told ESPN Dallas on Monday. "It was good. I was able to do everything."
To make room for Pierzynski on the roster, the Rangers sent both Lindblom and backup catcher Robinson Chirinos, who was effective in Pierzynski's absence, back down to Triple-A Round Rock.
Pierzynski got off to a hot start for the Rangers this season before slumping prior to going on the DL. He's hitting .263 with four home runs and 11 RBIs.
