Texas Rangers' Leonys Martin reacts to a third strike ending the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, April 12, 2015. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
ARLINGTON, Texas -- A lost season so far for Texas outfielder Leonys Martin took another turn Tuesday when the Rangers demoted the outfielder to Triple-A Round Rock.
Texas purchased the contract of outfielder Ryan Strausborger to take the roster spot of Martin.
Martin was the starting centerfielder to start the season but lost playing time because of his offensive struggles and the emergence of Delino DeShields. Martin has served a defensive replacement lately, making just two starts since July 17.
Martin is batting just .220 with five home runs and 25 RBI.
"We know that we need Leonys Martin to be something more than just a defensive replacement," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "He wasn't getting the consistent at-bats it takes to get going. This was an opportunity for Leonys to go down, find that edge, similar to (Rougned) Odor, find that chip, be as good in the batter's box as he is in the outfield, utilize his speed, the bunt, on base, limit the chase, his overall professional approach. He has all the talent and skills and we think he's a quality player."
Martin's struggles were magnified by the fact that DeShields has excelled in his rookie season. He came into Tuesday's game batting .270 and he has 17 steals and 46 runs scored.
Strausborger, 27, is in the majors for the first time He was drafted by the Rangers five years ago and had a breakout season for Round Rock this year. He was batting .278 with 10 home runs, 34 RBI and 27 steals when he found out Tuesday morning that he was getting called up.
After talking to his parents and his girlfriend he made the drive to Arlington.
"I'm really excited, truly blessed," he said. "There are no words to describe it. It was an awesome phone call to hear from Woody (Round Rock manager Jason Wood) this morning. I had literally just woken up. It's still so surreal."
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