Texas Rangers infielder Jonathan Ornelas has been called up from Triple-A Round Rock to replace injured outfielder Wyatt Langford. Langford, who was the fourth overall pick in the MLB amateur draft last summer, has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain. The decision was made prior to the start of a four-game series in Oakland and was retroactive to the day after Langford left a game in Kansas City.
Ornelas, who has been playing shortstop for Round Rock this season, has a batting average of .278 with two home runs and 11 RBIs in 24 starts. He made his Major League debut last season, playing in eight games for the Rangers. Langford showed signs of injury when he slowed down while running to first base during a game on Saturday.
Langford started in 31 of the team’s first 34 games, playing as the designated hitter and left fielder. He had a batting average of .224 with one home run and 11 RBIs, with his home run being an inside-the-park sprint against Cincinnati on April 28. He ranks second among American League rookies with 26 hits and third in reaching base 38 times.
