ANAHEIM, Calif. - After impressive across-the-board performances by their top hitting prospects in spring training, the Rangers dove into the season confident if the need arose, they would have ready-for-the-majors hitters waiting.

They test that theory starting Sunday.

With right fielder Shin-Soo Choo sidelined 4-6 weeks due a to a calf strain, the Rangers recalled Nomar Mazara, who had perhaps the best spring training of all the top prospects, to make his major league debut. Mazara arrives 16 days shy of his 21st birthday. At 20 years, 349 days, he will be the youngest player in the majors this season. Roberto Osuna, 21 years and 63 days on Sunday, had been the youngest.

The Rangers also purchased the contract of catcher Brett Nicholas to replace Robinson Chirinos on the roster. Chirinos suffered a fractured right forearm Saturday night and will be out 10-12 weeks. Nicholas will back up Bryan Holaday for now.

Mazara hit .375 for 32 at-bats in spring training with an .894 OPS, then carried it over into the start of Triple-A Round Rock's season. In the first three games for the Express, he went 6 for 12 with a walk and four RBIs. He homered on Saturday.

When the Rangers left camp, they felt the versatility of their roster and the depth of hitting prospects would allow them, when necessary, to choose the hottest hitter, regardless of position to fill a need at either an infield or outfield spot at the majors. This move, however, requires no shuffling of players. Mazara is a right fielder by nature, who will step in for Choo in right field.

What is still to be determined is how his playing time will be spent. With Ryan Rua on the roster, the Rangers have the ability to protect Mazara, a left-handed hitter, from left-handed pitching, if they so choose, by creating a temporary platoon. Mazara hit .239 for 109 at-bats against lefties at Double-A and Triple-A in 2015. He also drew 15 walks to push his OBP to .331.