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Reliever Joakim Soria has been activated by the Rangers and will be available to pitch on Sunday. Soria, who hasn't pitched since 2011, underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2012 -- the second time in his career he underwent the procedure.
While Soria, 29, has a raft of health concerns and always will (he's also battled shoulder problems in the past), he's been dominant when healthy. In parts of five seasons with the Royals, Soria pitched to a 2.40 ERA (181 ERA+), 1.04 WHIP and 3.92 K/BB ratio. For his career, he's struck out 26.7 percent of opposing hitters.
In a corresponding move, the Rangers placed right-hander Nick Tepesch (4.85 ERA in 2013 across 16 starts) on the 15-day DL with elbow inflammation.
Soria, provided he pitches well and stays healthy, will likely settle in as the primary setup man to closer Joe Nathan. The Rangers already boast one of the top bullpens in the majors, especially from the right side.
