Rangers activate former Gorman standout Joey Gallo from IL

The Associated Press

5 years ago

Texas Rangers' Joey Gallo rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run off of Kansas City ... — Texas Rangers’ Joey Gallo rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run off of Kansas City Royals’ Homer Bailey in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, June 1, 2019. The shot also scored Hunter Pence. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

DETROIT — The Texas Rangers have activated outfielder Joey Gallo from the injured list, and he’s in the lineup for their game at Detroit.

The former Bishop Gorman star has missed over three weeks with a left oblique strain, but he still leads the Rangers with 17 home runs. Texas created an open roster spot when it optioned left-hander Kyle Bird to Triple-A Nashville after Sunday’s game.

Gallo is set to start in center field and bat fifth in the series opener against the Tigers on Tuesday night.

Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Hunter Pence (right groin strain) is unlikely to be activated when he’s eligible Thursday. Woodward said the veteran outfielder is more likely to return after the team’s series at Tampa Bay this coming weekend.