The Texas Rangers called up infielder Ezequiel Duran for his major league debut Saturday
even though he had never played above the Double-A level.
Duran batted seventh and played third base for the Rangers against Seattle in place of Josh Smith,
another rookie who made his big league debut this week (Monday in his case).
Smith was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder sprain.
Smith, who reached base safely 10 times in his five games, had an MRI on Saturday.
Duran, who was on the 40-man roster, got the call-up Saturday from Double-A Frisco,
where he hit .317 with seven homers and 31 RBIs in 45 games this season.