Gonzalez to rejoin Rangers in Detroit

Chicago Juan Gonzalez is ready to join the Rangers even though he didn’t exactly tear up extended spring training pitching in Florida. Gonzalez went 0-for-5 against the Baltimore Orioles’ extended spring team in Port Charlotte on Thursday, then left Florida to meet the Rangers in Detroit. He expected to be activated before tonight’s game with the Tigers.

Rangers general manager John Hart said Gonzalez is probably coming back quicker than he should, but the Rangers have little choice with Frank Catalanotto and Rafael Palmeiro sidelined with injuries. Catalanotto, who has been dealing with a groin injury and back spasms, likely will go on the disabled list.

“We just can’t give Juan more time,” Hart said. “It looks like he’s healthy; it’s just a matter of getting him in there playing and getting his timing down.”

Tigers acquire Truby from Expos for Macias

Detroit The Detroit Tigers took a step toward improving their defensive problems Thursday, acquiring third baseman Chris Truby from the Montreal Expos for utilityman Jose Macias.

Truby, 28, was hitting .257 with two homers for Montreal, but is a solid defensive player.

“Chris is an above-average defender with a little pop in his bat,” Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said. “Hopefully, he can help us address some defensive problems. There are times this year where our pitching has been good, but let down by the defense.”

Columbus manager replaced by Howard

Columbus, Ohio Columbus Clippers manager Brian Butterfield was fired Thursday and replaced by former major league slugger Frank Howard on an interim basis. The Clippers, the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate, were 12-25 and had the second-worst record in the International League heading into Thursday night’s home game against the Charlotte Knights.