Rangers Recall Kirkman

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Round Rock Express left-handed pitcher Michael Kirkman has been recalled to the Texas Rangers, the organization announced Friday. Kirkman will join the Rangers in New York for Friday night's game against the Yankees. He spent the final six weeks of the 2010 season with Texas and was on the team's postseason roster.

Kirkman takes the place of right-hander Colby Lewis, who has been placed on the Major League Paternity Leave List. Lewis' wife, Jenny, gave birth to Elizabeth Grace in Bakersfield, Calif., Wednesday. A player can be on the Paternity Leave List for a maximum of three days; Lewis is expected to be reinstated to the active roster Monday.

A product of Lake City, Fla., Kirkman is 0-1 with a 16.20 ERA for the Express this season. After the roughest outing of his professional career Round Rock's season opener April 7 against the Iowa Cubs, Kirkman allowed two runs on eight his and no walks with three strikeouts over 3.1 innings April 12 against the Omaha Storm Chasers in his latest start.

Coinciding with Kirkman's call-up, right-handed pitcher Tanner Scheppers (lower back) has been activated from the seven-day disabled list. He is expected to start Saturday's game at New Orleans.

Right-hander Ramon Aguero, who the Rangers claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates last week and assigned to Round Rock, has been assigned to Double-A Frisco. Right-hander Neil Ramirez, who was assigned from Class A-Advanced Myrtle Beach to make a spot start Wednesday, will remain with the Express through next week's series at Oklahoma City.

Round Rock begins its first road trip of the season Friday, opening a four-game series at New Orleans. First pitch between the Express and Zephyrs is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT.

TRANSACTIONS: LHP Michael Kirkman recalled to Texas Rangers (MLB). RHP Tanner Scheppers (lower back) activated from seven-day disabled list. RHP Ramon Aguero assigned to Frisco (AA).