Royce Clayton actived from DL

BALTIMORE (TICKER) -- After a two-game rehabilitation assignment at Triple A Oklahoma, Texas Rangers shortstop Royce Clayton is expected to be activated before tonight's game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Clayton was placed on the disabled list on May 1 after an MRI revealed a torn muscle in the back of his right shoulder.

Clayton was hitting .150 with two extra-base hits and just one RBI in 60-at-bats before he was placed on the disabled list. In two games at Oklahoma, Clayton went 1-for-7 with three walks and one RBI.

The Rangers plan to option shortstop Kelly Dransfeldt to Oklahoma to make room for Clayton. Dransfeldt hit .189 with one homer and five RBI in 16 games for Texas.

The Rangers signed Clayton to a four-year, $18 million contract in the offseason. Texas obtained Clayton with righthander Todd Stottlemyre from St. Louis last July 31 for lefthander Darren Oliver and third baseman Fernando Tatis.

Clayton, 28, began his major league career with San Francisco in 1991 before being traded to the Cardinals after the 1995 season. He became the heir apparent to future Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, who retired after the 1996 campaign.