Texas Rangers option second baseman to Triple-A

The Texas Rangers optioned their second baseman to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, days after he returned from a 37-game absence caused by injuries and viral meningitis. 340 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 13 games for Round Rock since signing a minor-league deal on June 1.

Kelenic had also played 19 games earlier this season for the Chicago White Sox.

218 with no home runs and six RBI in 34 games this season. He went 2 for 9 in three games since being activated from the injured list on Monday. Manager Skip Schumaker said the decision was one of the toughest send-downs of his career and that the team needed the player to regain his form after a slow start, illness, and injury.

The second baseman had been activated this week when shortstop Corey Seager was placed on the seven-day concussion list. Seager remains eligible to return but will not be activated for Friday's series opener against San Diego.

Background on injuries and team standing The second baseman had been on the 10-day injured list with a glute strain and left-wrist inflammation when he was hospitalized with viral meningitis about a month ago. He rejoined the team in late May. The Rangers enter the series against San Diego after being swept by Minnesota and rank 28th in the majors with 292 runs scored.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the team transferred Michael Helman from the 60-day injured list.