Rangers Recall Michael Kirkman

Arlington, Texas-The Texas Rangers today announced that left-handed pitcher Michael Kirkman has been recalled from Round Rock (Triple-A) of the Pacific Coast League. Kirkman (#44) will be in the bullpen when the Rangers open a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

To make room for Kirkman, right-handed pitcher Brett Tomko has been assigned outright to Round Rock.

Kirkman, 24, is 1-3, 5.35 with one save in 10 games/6 starts for the Express (37.0 IP, 53 H, 24 R, 22 ER, 15 BB, 31 SO, 2 HR). After allowing 10 runs in just 3.1 innings as the starter in Round Rock's season opener on April 7 vs. Iowa, the lefty has posted a 3.21 ERA (12 ER/33.2 IP) in his last 9 overall appearances, with a 1.37 mark (3 ER / 19.2 IP) over his last 6 outings beginning May 4. Of his last 5 games, 4 have come in relief with Kirkman allowing one unearned run over 7.2 innings with nine strikeouts and a .207 opponents' batting average in those 4 appearances.

This will be Kirkman's second stint with Texas this season. He was with the Rangers from April 15-20 and issued 6 runs/5 ER in 1.2 innings in his only appearance on April 19 vs. the Los Angeles Angels. Kirkman was the 2010 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year and Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year after going 13-3, 3.09 in 24 games/22 starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He spent the last 6 weeks of the season with Texas a year ago, compiling a 1.65 ERA (3 ER/16.1 IP) in 14 relief outings in his major league debut.

Tomko is 0-1, 4.58 in 8 relief appearances with the Rangers since his contract was purchased from Round Rock on April 20.

With today's moves, Texas has 39 players on its major league roster.

Rangers Communication Department