ARLINGTON – Right-hander Chris Martin sailed through a 25-pitch inning of “live batting practice” against hitters Saturday afternoon and has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock.
Martin, out since April 15 because of a shoulder impingement, is likely to join Round Rock on Tuesday when the Express begins a home series against Sacramento. It’s unclear how long he’d spend on rehab, with the biggest question being whether the Rangers would want to see him pitch on back-to-back days before activating him.
Also, infielder Josh Smith, who was placed on the IL on Tuesday with a strained glute muscle, has been cleared to join Double-A Frisco on rehab. Frisco is home Sunday but goes on the road to Midland to start the week. Smith is eligible to return from the 10-day IL on Friday when the Rangers begin a series at Houston.