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Texas Rangers Call Up Mike Olt

The Rangers’ top prospect is now on their major-league roster.

Aug 2, 2012, 1:02 PM UTC

Kansas City, MO, USA; USA third baseman Mike Olt walks on the field before the start of the 2012 All Star Futures Game at Kauffman Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

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Prospect Mike Olt Joins Rangers

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Mike Olt has been among the top prospects in baseball since he was the 49th overall pick in the 2010 draft; he was ranked No. 43 by Baseball America coming into the 2012 season. He's one of the players other teams always asked for when talking trade with the Rangers.

Talk no more, other teams, because Mike Olt is now a member of the Rangers! Richard Durrett:

“We’ve been looking to strengthen the bench and put our best club out there,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “Listening to our people, we feel like Mike can help with this team. We wanted to give Mike a chance. We feel like he’s earned it, and both our scouts and developmental staff all have recommended that this guy in a role can help [manager Ron] Washington and the club.“Olt has yet to play above Double-A, but he was demolishing pitching at that level, hitting .288/.398/.579 with 28 home runs and 82 RBI in 95 games this year.

Olt is a third baseman by trade, but the Rangers have a good one already. He can also play first base and the outfield, so he's likely to rotate through several positions, giving rest to Rangers regulars. To make room for Olt, who was not on the 40-man roster, the Rangers optioned infielder Brandon Snyder to Triple-A Round Rock and moved pitcher Colby Lewis to the 60-day disabled list.

For more on the Rangers, please visit Lone Star Ball and SB Nation Dallas.

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