Rangers' Brett Nicholas: Added to active roster

Nicholas' contract was purchased Sunday from Triple-A Round Rock, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

It's the first call to the big leagues for Nicholas, who is in line to serve as the backup at catcher behind Bryan Holaday after regular starter Robinson Chirinos (forearm) was placed on the 60-day DL and ruled out for 10-to-14 weeks. With the Rangers fancying themselves as contenders this season, it seems likely the team will explore the trade market as a means of adding depth at catcher, and any acquisition would likely result in Nicholas immediately heading back to the minors. The 27-year-old slashed .268/.314./.412 and hit 12 homers over 403 at-bats at Round Rock last season.