ARLINGTON – Rangers manager Ron Washington said the decision to call up outfielder Julio Borbon wasn't an attempt to shake up a struggling offense. But having Borbon in the lineup can't hurt.

A 2007 supplemental-round pick, Borbon was recalled from Oklahoma City on Monday and was in the starting lineup. He went 0-for-3 before being removed for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.

"It definitely caught me off guard," said Borbon, who got news of his promotion Sunday night. "It's a dream come true. I'm excited to be here and ready to go right now."

The Rangers said Borbon was called up because they were a man short on offense. They sent reliever Willie Eyre to Oklahoma City to make room for Borbon, and the Rangers now have four bench players.

Just don't expect Borbon to sit on the bench. Washington said he wasn't called up to sit and watch games.

"We had to get another guy up here, and he was the hottest hitter we had down there," he said. "We certainly need some offensive help. We brought him up to see what he's got to offer."

Borbon, 23, was hitting .298 with two homers and 28 RBI in 71 games for the RedHawks. He had 19 stolen bases.

Borbon, who bats left-handed, was the designated hitter Monday, but Washington said Borbon could start in left field today. He was the leadoff hitter for Oklahoma City but isn't ready for that role with the Rangers, Washington said.

"He probably will be one day when he establishes himself," Washington said. "He can bunt. He can run. He can do a lot of things. We want to get him in there, get him comfortable and see what happens."

The Hunter plan: Tommy Hunter earned another start with his performance Sunday. Hunter allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings against San Diego, becoming the fifth Rangers starter to lose a game this season despite posting a quality start at home.

Hunter will probably draw two more starts before the All-Star break, beginning Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Hunter's next start depends on Scott Feldman's performance tonight against the Angels. If Feldman pitches well, the Rangers could push him back and have him face the Angels next week in Los Angeles. That would free Hunter to start Sunday.

Hunter could also start July 7 against the Angels.

Briefly: Third baseman Tommy Mendonca signed with the Rangers and will head to Class A Spokane today. Mendonca, who played at Fresno State, was the Western Athletic Conference player of the year after hitting .339 with 27 homers and 78 RBIs in 62 games.

Rangers president Nolan Ryan will be the grand marshal at the city of Arlington's July 4th parade Saturday.

Radio play-by-play man Eric Nadel underwent successful surgery to strengthen the attachment of the retina to his right eye. Nadel could return to the booth today.