Rangers put RHP Harden to DL with strained muscle

The Texas Rangers placed right-hander Rich Harden on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left gluteus muscle one day after another ineffective start.

Rangers manager Ron Washington says Harden has been dealing with the issue for a while, but the team felt it was time to shut him down after he aggravated the injury. Texas will not need a fifth starter for a week and Matt Harrison is the leading candidate to replace Harden in the rotation.

Washington says Harden will have an MRI on the muscle in the coming days. Harden gave up six runs in the 6-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night and is 1-2 with an 8.68 ERA in his last six starts.

Texas called up right-hander Alexi Ogando from Triple-A Oklahoma to take Harden's roster spot.