IVAN Rodriguez Returns to Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) _ All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez was activated from the 15-day disabled list Thursday by the Texas Rangers. <br><br>Rodriguez went on the 15-day DL May 2 with a severe bone bruise

Thursday, May 17th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) _ All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez was activated from the 15-day disabled list Thursday by the Texas Rangers.

Rodriguez went on the 15-day DL May 2 with a severe bone bruise on his left heel.

Rodriguez is hitting .309 with six home runs and 11 RBIs in 23 games this season. Last year, he played in only 91 games, the fewest since his rookie season in 1991.

He didn't play after breaking his right thumb July 24, two weeks after starting his eighth straight All-Star game, and still won his ninth straight Gold Glove.

The Rangers also announced the purchase of right-handed pitcher J.D. Smart's contract from Oklahoma of the Pacific Coast League.

To make room for Smart and Rodriguez, outfielder Bo Porter was sent to Oklahoma and catcher Mike Hubbard was designated for assignment.

Smart was 2-2 with a 2.14 ERA and three saves in 14 relief appearances with Oklahoma.