Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a strained right oblique muscle and will be out for about two months.
Right-hander Anthony Bass has been recalled from Triple A Round Rock to give the bullpen some depth.
Hamels felt pain during a pre-game bullpen pitch before his scheduleld start Tuesday against the Astros. He was scratched and replaced by reliever Alex Claudio. He returned to Arlington and was examined by team physician Dr. Keith Meister, who confirmed the diagnosis.
The Rangers’ bullpen is thin after using six relievers Tuesday, including Claudio as the starter.