Rangers' Nick Martinez: Expected to lose rotation spot

Martinez is expected to move to the bullpen after the Rangers acquired starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez from the White Sox on Thursday, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Martinez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock last week to replace the struggling Tyson Ross in the rotation and made his second start Thursday, covering five innings and giving up two runs on five hits while striking out six in a loss to the Astros. Though Martinez has looked good in both of his outings since being recalled from Triple-A, he's struggled mightily on the whole this season, submitting a 5.17 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 92.1 innings with the big club. He's now in line to act as a swingman during the Rangers' playoff push in September, primarily serving in long relief and perhaps stepping in for spot starts when the need arises.