Rangers get Rodriguez back from Astros for stretch run

Ivan Rodriguez is coming home to the Texas Rangers.

The 14-time All-Star catcher who started his career with the Rangers at age 19 was acquired in a trade Tuesday with the Houston Astros for minor league pitcher Matt Nevarez and two players to be named.

“He brings experience,” Rangers President Nolan Ryan said. “He’s a veteran, and he brings us a lot of things.”

The 37-year-old Rodriguez, one of the most popular players in Rangers history, signed a one-year, $1.5-million contract with the Astros in March and went on to hit .251 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 93 games. But the Astros have faded in the NL playoff chase, while the Rangers, second to the Angels in the AL West, are tied with Boston in the AL wild-card race.

Strasburg update

Acting Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo says it’s “very unlikely” newly signed No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg will be called up to the majors this season.

A day after agreeing with Strasburg on a record-breaking contract worth $15.1 million over four years, the Nationals set about lowering expectations for the former San Diego State pitcher, saying he won’t necessarily be in Washington’s rotation in 2010.

Says Rizzo: “If he earns it, and he’s ready for it, then we’ll see where his talent takes him.”