ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.
The Rangers made the move before playing Houston on Tuesday night when they also purchased the contract of outfielder Ryan Strausborger from the Triple-A team.
Martin leads the major leagues with 13 outfield assists. But he was hitting .220 with five home runs and 25 RBI in 94 games.
"We know that we need Leonys Martin to be something more than just a defensive replacement," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "This is an opportunity for Leonys to go down, find that edge, similar to (Rougned) Odor."
Odor, the second baseman, was hitting .144 when he was optioned to Round Rock in May. Since his return to the majors, Odor averaged .336 in 152 at-bats through Monday.
Strausborger is looking to make his major league debut. He hit .278 with 21 doubles, 10 homers and 34 RBI in 86 games at Round Rock. He had 27 stolen bases.
"It was really exciting," the 27-year-old Strausborger said about hearing from Triple-A manager Jason Wood that he was going to the majors. "I called my parents and called my girlfriend, and then I just walked around the room in circles for a little bit. I didn't know where to start."
"I kind of know how he feels," said Banister, who had one at-bat in the major leagues.
Left-hander Wandy Rodriguez was placed on unconditional release waivers. He would become a free agent Thursday if not claimed on release waivers. Rodriguez was designated for assignment July 29.
