The Texas Rangers selected outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday and optioned infielder Josh Smith to the same affiliate, a June 19 roster move confirmed in MLB's official transaction feed.
Texas also transferred center fielder Michael Helman from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list because of a right finger fracture, creating the 40-man roster opening needed for Kelenic. MLB listed Kelenic's contract selection, Smith's option and Helman's status change with June 19 effective dates.
Kelenic Gets The Rangers Roster Spot
Kelenic, 26, joined the Rangers on a minor league deal earlier this month after leaving the Chicago White Sox roster, according to MLB Trade Rumors. He pushed the issue quickly at Round Rock, where the outlet reported a .340/.431/.620 line across 13 games.
The call-up gives Texas another outfield option with major league experience. Kelenic, the No. 6 pick in the 2018 draft, has appeared in the majors for the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves and White Sox, with MLB Trade Rumors listing a .211/.283/.374 line over 1,547 plate appearances entering this Rangers opportunity.
Smith Heads Back To Round Rock
Smith is being optioned for the first time since 2022. The move comes after a stop-start stretch in which MLB Trade Rumors noted a glute strain, wrist soreness and a hospitalization for viral meningitis before his recent return to the Texas lineup.
His larger role had been available after Texas traded Marcus Semien to the New York Mets for Brandon Nimmo in the offseason, but Smith had not turned the second-base opening into a settled job. The outlet listed him at .218/.316/.248 for 2026 after 108 early plate appearances, a trip to the injured list and three games back in the majors.
The transaction does two things at once: it gives Kelenic a major league look after a loud two-week stay in Triple-A, and it gives Smith regular work at Round Rock instead of a shrinking big league role. Texas still has moving pieces in the infield while Corey Seager remains on the injured list, but Friday's paperwork puts Smith outside that immediate mix.