Smolinski is in the lineup Saturday, batting fifth against the Giants.

Smolinski wasn't in the lineup Friday, but was called in to pinch hit for Eric O'Flaherty in the sixth inning. He'll draw back into the lineup Saturday against ace lefty Madison Bumgarner.

Smolinski went 3-for-5 with two home runs, four RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 14-1 demolition of the Twins.

It was just Smolinski's second start since being claimed by the Athletics earlier this month, but he came through in a big way. The 26-year-old is likely nothing more than a platoon player right now, but he could earn some added playing time with more power displays like this.

Smolinski, who was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday, expects to get playing time against left-handed pitchers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Smolinski will likely get 1-3 starts per week as a corner outfielder, cutting in to the at-bats that have been going to Mark Canha. The two are similar players, and it's possible they'll both start in the outfield against some lefties, which would likely leave Josh Reddick out of the lineup.

Smolinski was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

Smolinski has spent some time in the majors with the Rangers since the beginning of last season, slashing .260/.337/.384 in 166 plate appearances. He was recently claimed off waivers by the Athletics, and he'll now provide depth in both the infield and outfield for the big-league squad. Smolinski has been impressive at the Triple-A level this season, but his middling power and speed don't hint at much long-term upside.

Oakland A's outfielder Jake Smolinski was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Oakland A's outfielder Jake Smolinski was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday. Smolinski was claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers in late June and will initially come off the bench for his new team.

Smolinski was claimed off waivers by the Athletics on Sunday, Joe Stiglich of CSN Bay Area reports. He'll be optioned to Triple-A Nashville.

Smolinksi couldn't get his batting average above the Mendoza line all season, so he was designated for assignment Friday. It didn't take long for another team to show interest, but the outfielder will certainly have to earn his way back to the big leagues.

Smolinski was designated for assignment Friday.

This really is not surprising considering he was hitting .133 and slugging .200 on the season. He will likely pass unclaimed through waivers and report to Triple-A Round Rock.

Smolinski was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.

With Delino DeShields essentially serving as the lone backup corner outfielder it makes sense for the Rangers to add a little depth. Reliever Alex Claudio was optioned to Round Rock as a corresponding move.

Smolinski was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Smolinski was recalled May 22 following an injury to Kyle Blanks, but he's seen just three at-bats since then. The team will add another fresh arm to their bullpen Wednesday, leaving Smolinski as the odd man out. He'll return to Triple-A, where he's batting .480 on the season, and await another opportunity to rejoin the big league club.

Smolinski was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Smolinski got the call up after the Rangers placed Kyle Blanks on the disabled list with a cyst on his lower back. He won't be in the lineup Friday, however, but he did bat .480 with two home runs in seven games at Triple-A Round Rock before being recalled.

Smolinski was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Smolinski had seen his playing time dry up -- he had logged just two at-bats in the team's last eight games and nine at-bats in May -- and was an obvious candidate for a demotion with Mitch Moreland coming off the DL. It appears Carlos Peguero will continue to see most of the time in left field until Josh Hamilton (shoulder) is ready to contribute.

Smolinski is out of the lineup Friday, the Fort Worth Star Telegram's Jeff Wilson reports.

He has seen his playing time curtailed lately, as Carlos Peguero and Shin-Soo Choo have been occupying the outfield corners. Considering his lack of production and inconsistent playing time, he will be difficult to use in standard leagues going forward.

Smolinksi is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Astros, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Smolinski will take a seat for the second game in a row and the third time in four contests as he continues to struggle at the plate with just a .146 average. Carlos Peguero will draw another start in left field in his stead.

Smolinski is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics.

Smolinski had made three straight starts in left field, but will take a seat in favor of Carlos Peguero on Sunday afternoon. Manager Jeff Banister likely wanted to get another left-handed bat in his lineup against tough righty Sonny Gray. The 26-year-old Smolinski is just 1-for-19 against right-handed pitching on the year.

Smolinski is not in the lineup Monday against the Mariners.

Smolinski is hitting just .114 thus far through 15 games, but he appears to remain in line to get the majority of the starts in left field for the time being. Carlos Peguero will fill in for him Monday and bat second.

Smolinski hit second in the order for the second straight game on Sunday, going 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored against the Angels.

Although he is hitting a cool .114 on the season, the Rangers have moved Smolinski near the top of the order the past two games, both against left-handed starters. With the team's acquisition of Josh Hamilton, Smolinski will need to start hitting if he wants to avoid demotion to the minors.

Smolinski is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks, according to Rangers VP of Comm. John Blake.

Smolinski started the last three games in left field for the Rangers, but he will not be in the lineup for Tuesday's game. Carlos Peguero will man left field for the Rangers on Tuesday.

Smolinski is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Smolinski appeared to be in line for the bulk of the starts in left field after Ryan Rua was sent to the disabled list, but he'll take a seat Monday. Carlos Peguero will take over in left, hitting seventh.

Smolinski will start in left field and bat fifth Saturday against the Astros, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Stefan Stevenson reports.

Ryan Rua (ankle) was placed on the 15-day DL on Saturday, so Smolinski appears poised to see the bulk of the playing time in left field over the rest of the month.

Smolinski went 0-for-3 after entering Friday's game in the third innings when Shin-Soo Choo departed because of back spasms.

Carlos Peguero was removed from Friday's game at Triple-A Round Rock, suggesting that a move is coming to put either Choo or Ryan Rua (ankle) on the 15-day DL. Assuming that happens, Smolinski may see additional playing time in the near future.