Cantu reports to Rangers, who demote Davis

ANAHEIM, Calif.  — Jorge Cantu learned he had been dealt to the Texas Rangers after he was pulled from Florida's game at San Francisco as part of a double switch.

When the infielder returned to the clubhouse and noticed a light blinking on his cell phone. It was his agent, Adam Katz. Once Thursday's game ended, Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest gave him the news.

“I'm very, very excited to be part of the Texas organization. It's kind of surreal now. It still hasn't sunk in yet,” Cantu said Friday after joining his new teammates for the start of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. “Obviously I'm going to miss my former team, but I wish them well the rest of the way. I'm a Texas Ranger now, and I'm going to keep busting my tail and be a part of this winning team.”

Cantu, who was born in McAllen and makes him home in Reynosa, played mostly third base this season for the Marlins, but is expected to be used primarily at first base against left-handers in a platoon with Mitch Moreland,

Moreland was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma on Thursday after second baseman Ian Kinsler went on the 15-day disabled list for the sixth time in five seasons because of a groin strain.

That platoon isn't certain. Washington will have Cantu in the lineup on Saturday night against righty Dan Haren. He is 6 for 21 lifetime with a home run against the three-time All-Star.

“Anytime I'm out there I'm going to make the best out of it and contribute in any way possible so we can win the division,” Cantu said. “There's a lot of offense here and great pitching, too, so it's going to be a fun ride for sure. These guys know how to win, and that's the bottom line. I feel comfortable around the clubhouse already.”

The Rangers’roster has undergone a makeover in recent weeks, with the acquisitions of Cantu, 2008 AL Cy Young winner Cliff Lee from Seattle and catcher Bengie Molina from San Francisco. In addition, Texas agreed to obtain infielder Cristian Guzman from Washington in a deal that sends two minor league pitchers to Washington.

“Every club is trying to improve, especially this close to the trade deadline,” said manager Ron Washington, whose club entered Friday leading Oakland by 8½ games in the AL West and the Angels by nine. “I think our general manager and our development department and our scouts have done a good job of getting us some additions that can help us. I'm very excited, and the guys that we got in trades are excited to be here. I think it made us a better club.”

Cantu, a Texas native, hit .262 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs in 97 games for the Marlins. He previously played for Tampa Bay and Cincinnati.

“I have nothing wrong to say about the Marlins organization. They've been great to be with their professionalism and they've respected me in every way,” Cantu said. “They gave me a great opportunity, starting in ‘08, and I'm always going to be thankful to them. Sometimes you have to part ways and say goodbye.”

Texas optioned first baseman Chris Davis was sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the second time this season. Davis hit .189 (10 for 53) with two RBIs in 16 games since being recalled July 9, when Texas traded rookie first baseman Justin Smoak to Seattle to get Lee.