A week ago, we saw news that Carlos Pena had been signed by the Rangers to a minor league deal. At the time, he was placed at AAA Round Rock, and looked to be nothing more than a potential insurance policy for yet another 1st baseman being lost to injury.

Today, however, it is Brad Snyder's ineffectiveness that has led to a similar move, as Snyder has been sent back down to Round Rock, and Pena's contract has been purchased by the Rangers. In his 28 plate appearances at Round Rock, Pena has put up a .929 OPS with a home run, a double, and four walks, apparently giving the Rangers enough confidence that he can perhaps contribute more than Snyder at this point.

At age 36, however, Pena hasn't put up anything above replacement-level production since 2012, and if we're being really picky, you'd actually have to point to 2011 as his last successful foray as an everyday player. With that said, the Rangers don't exactly have too many options at this point, and in what is likely a lost season due to injuries, the organization simply needs capable bodies to man each position.

Pena will be playing 1st base tonight in the series opener against Detroit, and he'll also be batting sixth.