ARLINGTON, Texas - The Texas Rangers want struggling rookie outfielder Michael Choice to work on his game in the minor leagues while they replace yet another pitcher in their injury-riddled rotation. Lucas Hernandez Jersey . The Rangers demoted Choice to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday with his average at .177 after just six hits in the past month. "He needed to go get himself together," manager Ron Washington said. "We have a lot of faith in him. Its just that you dont need the struggles to become mental." Infielder Donnie Murphy was designated for assignment, allowing Texas to bring up right-handed reliever Roman Mendez and outfielder Jake Smolinski from Round Rock. Both could make their major league debut in the series opener against Houston. Rookie right-hander Nick Martinez was scratched from Tuesdays start because of a pulled muscle in his rib cage, apparently sustained while batting during an interleague series with the New York Mets. He will be replaced by right-hander Phil Irwin, who made his only big league appearance in a start for Pittsburgh last year. Irwin is 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA in six starts for Round Rock. Its likely that Martinez will be placed on the disabled list but only miss two starts because of the All-Star break. "He wants to start tomorrow, but just trying to be smart," general manager Jon Daniels said. "Irwins been throwing the ball well at Triple-A. Looking forward to seeing what hes got." Irwin will be the 12th starter used by Texas, one shy of Colorados major league high. The Rangers acquired Choice in an off-season trade that sent utility outfielder Craig Gentry to Oakland. He was a September call-up for the As after spending the year with Triple-A Sacramento and was good enough in spring training this year to make Texas opening day roster. "Very few guys come up and stick and contribute from Day One," Daniels said. "That was our hope. There were times we thought that might be the case." The 25-year-old Smolinski was a second-round pick by Washington in 2007 and spent his first seven professional seasons in the minor leagues. He spent most of this season with Double-A Frisco, where he had 10 home runs in 72 games, before a recent promotion. The 23-year-old Mendez missed most of 2013 after surgery for a stress fracture in his right elbow. He was 0-1 with a 4.02 ERA in Round Rock. The Rangers have 10 days to trade, release or outright Murphy to the minor leagues. He was hitting .196. Axel Werner Jersey . -- Theres something about playing on Orlandos floor lately that seems to bring out the best in the Dallas Mavericks. Juanfran Jersey . 1-9 on TSN. With more than 65 hours of exclusive live coverage, TSN delivers all the action beginning with Draw 1 on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 2 p. http://www.socceratleticomadridonline.us/Fernando-Torres-Atletico-Madrid-Jersey/ . Ben Street scored twice for the Heat (17-5-1), who won their fourth game in a row and 13th in their last 14 outings. Brett Bulmer scored the lone goal for the Wild (6-11-0), who dropped their sixth straight contest.WASHINGTON -- The Colorado Rockies have acquired right-hander Jair Jurrjens from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for minor league first baseman Harold Riggins. Jurrjens signed a minor league contract with Cincinnati in May, and was 2-3 with a 4.46 ERA at Triple-A Louisville. He has a 53-37 record with a 3.63 ERA in seven major league seasons, including five with Atlantaa. Tiago Mendes Jersey. He last pitched in the majors in 2013, appearing in two games with Baltimore. Riggins was playing at Double-A Tulsa. The Rockies have used 12 starting pitchers this season, the most in the majors, and have the worst team ERA, 4.99. A team spokesman said Wednesday that Jurrjens will join the Rockies top farm club in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cheap Jerseys Free ShippingCheap NFL JerseysCheap Jerseys ChinaCheap JerseysJerseys From ChinaCheap Jerseys Free ShippingCheap Nike NFL Jerseys ' ' '