ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -The Texas Rangers put closer Eric Gagne on the 15-day disabled list Monday, a day after the oft-injured right-hander left the game in the middle of just his second save situation for his new team.
Gagne, the 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner for Los Angeles, was appearing in consecutive games for the Rangers for the first time Sunday when he started favoring his right leg after his 11th pitch. He was diagnosed with a hip injury.
After missing most of the past two seasons with elbow and back injuries, Gagne signed a one-year, $6 million deal loaded with bonus opportunities. He had one save in 3 1-3 scoreless innings after starting the season on the disabled list.
On Saturday, Manager Ron Washington made a trip to the mound because he thought something was wrong with Gagne. But when he reached the mound, Gagne said he was fine, and he finished the game, a 7-0 victory over Oakland.
It was different Sunday. Gagne limped noticeably after his last pitch and stayed on the field only about a minute after Washington and the training staff came out. Akinori Otsuka, last year’s Rangers closer, came on to record the final two outs for the save in a 4-3 win over the A’s.
Texas recalled right-hander Frank Francisco, who was out of the big leagues for two years with elbow problems before returning late last season. Francisco was a key member of a bullpen that helped keep Texas in contention until the final days in 2004.
This season at Triple-A Oklahoma, Francisco didn’t allow a hit or earned run in six innings, striking out 14 and walking three. He was 1-0 with two saves in five appearances.
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