Texas Rangers purchase contract of left-handed pitcher Robby Ahlstrom

The Texas Rangers purchased the contract of left-handed pitcher Robby Ahlstrom and recalled right-hander Luis Cervelo and infielder Cody Freeman from Triple-A Round Rock ahead of Monday night's game against the St. The club placed outfielder Sam Haggerty on the bereavement list and right-hander Chris Martin on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement retroactive to Sunday.

The team also optioned right-hander Gavin Collyer to Round Rock.

The 26-year-old Ahlstrom will make his major league debut after posting a 1-2 record with a 2.76 ERA in 29 1/3 innings over 21 Triple-A appearances this season. He was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the seventh round of the 2021 draft and was acquired by the Rangers in an April 2, 2022, trade.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Ahlstrom has improved his command. "He's really done a good job of pounding the strike zone and that was holding him back not being more in the strike zone and trusting his really good stuff," Schumaker said. Cervelo, 25, posted a 5.40 ERA in five innings over four relief appearances with the Rangers before being placed on the injured list with a right biceps strain on April 15.

He is 1-1 with a 5.63 ERA and a save in nine appearances for Round Rock. Martin, who turns 40 on Tuesday, opened the season on the injured list with a shoulder impingement and went 1-1 with a 7.84 ERA in 12 appearances since being activated on May 19.

The Rangers transferred left-hander Robert Garcia to the 60-day injured list to create a spot for Ahlstrom on the 40-man roster.