The Rangers are expected to call up first baseman Chris Davis and add him to the roster when they open a three-game series with the Yankees in New York on Tuesday.

Davis is expected to play regularly at first base, meaning Hank Blalock would likely be a platoon DH or simply be a bat off the bench. Blalock is hitting .180 with a .204 on-base percentage and a ,337 slugging percentage for the month of August.

Davis is hitting .327 with six home runs and 30 RBI in 44 games and 165 at-bats since being sent back to Triple A Oklahoma City at the end of June. He has a .418 on-base percentage and a .521 slugging percentage.

The Rangers would have to make a corresponding roster move to make room for Davis but he is coming back to the Major Leagues for the stretch run and manager Ron Washington made it clear that he will be used at first base.

Per InsideCorner:

Rangers Now Believe Josh Hamilton Could Be Back Before All-Star Game

Just got an email from GM Jon Daniels suggesting that there is a “reasonable” chance Hamilton could return to the playing field before the All-Star Game and, if elected, he’d like to participate in the game. The Home Run Derby is almost certainly out, however. Daniels said the Rangers would support Hamilton’s decision if he wants to play.

Hamilton has been among the leaders in votes for the AL outfield despite a subpar offensive year. But his time on the DL could discourage fans from voting for him, thinking he might not be back in time. Based on his current level of activity, Daniels believes its reasonable Hamilton could be activated before the first half ends.

Rangers sign El Duque to minor league deal
	3:35 PM Thu, Jun 11, 2009 | Permalink |  Yahoo! Buzz Anthony Andro/Special Contributor    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

Free agent right-hander Orlando Hernandez, who last pitched with the New York Mets in 2007, has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers. Hernandez will begin working out with the Oklahoma City RedHawks this weekend and is expected to be on the roster next week.

Thoughts?