Rangers slugger Joey Gallo has been activated from the 10-day injured list and returned to Texas' lineup in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers.
The 25-year-old got off to a hot start, hitting an RBI double in the top of the third inning, but he finished the night 1 for 4 with three strikeouts.
Gallo has been sidelined since June 1 because of an oblique injury. He will bat fifth and start in center field against Tigers right-hander Jordan Zimmermann.
Gallo is batting .276 with 17 home runs and 41 RBIs. Despite missing over three weeks because of the injury, Gallo still is the Rangers' leading home run hitter.
The Rangers optioned left-hander Kyle Bird to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday to create a spot for Gallo on the 25-man roster.
Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Hunter Pence (right groin strain) is unlikely to be activated when he's eligible Thursday. Woodward said the veteran outfielder is more likely to return after the team's series at Tampa Bay this coming weekend.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.