ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Ryan Rua on Monday went from opening day left fielder with the Texas Rangers to optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.
The Rangers demoted Rua to clear a roster spot for outfielder Renato Nunez, obtained from Oakland on a waiver claim on Sunday.
Rua lost his grip on the starting job when the Rangers moved Joey Gallo to left as part of a series of moves triggered by shortstop Elvis Andrus going on the disabled list last week.
This marked the second time in the last four years that Rua opened the season as the front-line left fielder but could not hold the job.