KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Rangers left-hander Cliff Lee returned to Texas on Wednesday to get a shot and have his ailing back checked out. Lee was scheduled to rejoin the AL West leaders on Friday.

Lee is 0-3 with an 8.28 ERA in his last five starts. He gave up six runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings Tuesday night at Kansas City.

Lee, the 2008 AL Cy Young winner, has not won since Aug. 6 at Oakland. He is 2-5 with a 4.69 ERA in 11 starts with the Rangers since they acquired him in six-player trade July 9 with the Seattle Mariners.

Around the leagues

Cincinnati called up first baseman Yonder Alonso. … Jeff Francoeur joined Texas a day after he was acquired in a trade with the New York Mets. … Colorado reliever Manuel Corpas needs reconstructive Tommy John elbow surgery. … The New York Yankees reinstated designated hitter Lance Berkman from the disabled list. Also, manager Joe Girardi says that Javier Vazquez will start Saturday against Toronto. … Kansas City catcher Jason Kendall will undergo shoulder surgery for a torn right rotator cuff. … Josh Hamilton was held out of Texas’ lineup after receiving a shot the previous night for his sore right knee. … Boston activated catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and utility player Eric Patterson and recalled left-hander Dustin Richardson from Triple-A … Atlanta pitcher Derek Lowe had to skip his off-day throwing session because of lingering pain near his right elbow, and he won’t be able to make his next scheduled start Friday.