ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Delino DeShields on Friday talked about his return to the majors almost as if he was resigned that it wouldn't be a long-term deal.

It wasn't.

With Elvis Andrus about to be activated from the injured list Saturday, the Rangers needed insurance for the one game gap between Willie Calhoun being placed on the IL and Andrus' return. DeShields played the ninth inning as a defensive replacement for Shin-Soo Choo and was informed after the game that he would be returned to Nashville.

DeShields was working on tweaking his swing at Triple-A Nashvile and had compiled a .211/.318/.421/.739 slash line in nine games before the recall. DeShields acknowledged surprise over the Rangers' decision to send him down May 8.

"My hits weren't falling, but I wasn't expecting to be sent down after less than 100 at-bats," DeShields said. "It definitely sucks. But I just try to take my failures and learn from them. To not be here is a little tough. I'm happy guys are playing well, but I want to be here and contribute to this team."

Briefly: There are a number of interesting matchups for Saturday's game against Los Angeles LHP Tyler Skaggs. Perhaps most notable might be: It would be a good day for an off day for Rougned Odor; he's 0 for 17 against Skaggs. On the other end, Shin-Soo Choo is 8 for 16 with four walks, Logan Forsythe is 5 for 10 and Hunter Pence 4 for 7. ... LHP Mike Minor pitched his first career shutout in his last start against the Angels. Minor allowed three hits in the game, two by Andrelton Simmons, currently on the IL. Minor has allowed just three runs in 20 innings over the last two seasons vs. the Angels. ... Triple-A Nashville and Memphis engaged in a bench-clearing brawl Thursday night that resulted in multiple ejections. Nashville's Scott Heineman, fresh off the IL, was hit by a pitch immediately after Zack Granite's go-ahead grand slam. Patrick Wisdom was the only Nashville player ejected.

Twitter: @Evan_P_Grant