Rangers activate Saunders, claim Irwin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Texas Rangers have activated left-hander Joe Saunders from the 15-day disabled list and claimed right-hander Phil Irwin off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Rangers made the moves on Wednesday in time for Saunders to start the night's game against the Minnesota Twins. Saunders left his only start this season on April 4 after getting hit in the left ankle with a line drive off the bat of Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria.

Saunders made four rehab starts, going 0-1 with a 3.80 ERA.

The 27-year-old Irwin has appeared in one career game in the majors. He had elbow surgery last season and spent the first two months of this season in Triple-A. The Rangers optioned Irwin and left-hander Aaron Poreda to Triple-A Round Rock.