Former UT outfielder Borbon makes debut with Rangers

Former University of Tennessee standout Julio Borbon was called up to the Texas Rangers on Monday and inserted into the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Angels as the designated hitter.

"This is a very important day for me and my family," Borbon said through a UT release prior to the game. "It is so exciting and satisfying to see my dream come true. To think that just two years ago I was at Tennessee and now I'm experiencing this lifelong dream - it's hard to describe how I'm feeling right now. I owe thanks to so many people for helping to guide me along the way."

Borbon went 0-for-3. Batting sixth, he struck out with the bases loaded in the first inning and struck out with a man on in the third. He popped out to third in foul territory in the sixth.

Borbon came out of the game for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.

Through 71 games with Class AAA Oklahoma City of the Pacific Coast League, the 22-year-old Borbon hit .298 with 90 hits, 53 runs scored, 28 RBIs and two home runs. He was successful on 19 of 23 stolen-base attempts.

Borbon played for UT from 2005-07. He was drafted 35th overall by the Rangers in 2007.

With Borbon's promotion, there are seven former Vols in the majors. He becomes the 35th former UT player in the majors.

"This is more great news for our program here at Tennessee," UT coach Todd Raleigh said. "Julio's last season (at UT) was the year before I got here. But from the first time I met him I could tell he was going to be successful and that he was a great representative for the University of Tennessee. We'll all be keeping up with how he does in Texas."