Saltalamacchia up

The Rangers have recalled catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia from Oklahoma, releasing catcher Adam Melhuse (who, it turns out, broke his hand yesterday, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). The club has also activated LHP Eddie Guardado from the 15-day disabled list and placed RHP Luis Mendoza on the 15-day DL, retroactive to April 24, with right shoulder inflammation.

The release of Melhuse reduces the roster to 39 players, potentially clearing the way for a non-roster pitcher (Sidney Ponson? Doug Mathis?) to join the rotation in the next few days.

The switch-hitting Saltalamacchia, in the first AAA assignment of his career, has hit .291/.391/.491 for the RedHawks (.462/.500/.769 against lefthanders, .238/.360/.405 against righties, .300/.417/.400 with runners in scoring position). He has caught 15 of the club's 21 games, sporting a spotless fielding percentage and cutting down three of 11 would-be basestealers.

Jamey