The Texas Rangers optioned second baseman Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, just days after activating him from the injured list. Smith missed 37 games with a glute strain, wrist inflammation, and viral meningitis, hitting just .218 with no homers in 34 games before his recent setbacks. Manager Skip Schumaker called it one of the toughest roster moves of his career.

To fill Smith's roster spot, Texas promoted outfielder Jarred Kelenic, the former sixth overall pick who signed a minor league deal on June 1. Kelenic posted impressive numbers at Triple-A, batting .340 with three homers and 11 RBI in 13 games. The move comes as the Rangers try to spark an offense that ranks 28th in MLB, averaging just 3.9 runs per game.

Shortstop Corey Seager remains on the seven-day concussion list retroactively, making him eligible to return but unavailable for Friday's series opener against San Diego. The Rangers were swept by Minnesota in their previous series, getting outscored 25-7 while never leading.

Smith's demotion represents a significant fall for a player who won the AL Silver Slugger award as a utility man just two seasons ago. At 28, he needs to rediscover his hitting stroke in Triple-A while the Rangers search for offensive answers in a disappointing campaign.