ARLINGTON, TEXAS (TICKER) — Texas Rangers righthander John Burkett, forced to leave his start on Tuesday with tightness in his shoulder, was placed on the 15-day disabled list today.
The Rangers made the move retroactive to Wednesday and called up lefthander Mike Venafro from Triple-A Oklahoma of the Pacific Coast League.
Burkett lasted just two innings Tuesday against the New York Yankees, allowing three runs and seven hits. He complained of tightness in his right shoulder after the 4-0 loss and returned to Texas on Wednesday to undergo tests. A further diagnosis is expected once Burkett undergoes additional tests.
Burkett is 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA in three starts this season and has failed to last past the fifth inning.
Esteban Loaiza, who has made five relief appearances this season, is a likely candidate to replace Burkett in the rotation.
The 34-year-old Burkett also has pitched for San Francisco and Texas and owns a career record of 110-95. He was 22-7 for the Giants in 1993 and has not had a winning record since. Burkett made his only previous trip to the DL in 1997.
Venafro, 25, has no record and a 5.40 ERA with one save in six appearances for Oklahoma.