Gomez debut dandy; comic relief by Kipnis

ARLINGTON — The Rangers officially purchased the contract of outfielder Carlos Gomez from Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday after signing Gomez to a Minor League deal on Saturday. Outfielder Drew Stubbs was designated for assignment to accommodate the move.

Gomez wasted no time impacting his new club in a 9-0 victory, belting a three-run homer off Indians starter Josh Tomlin in the second inning to put the Rangers ahead to stay. The home run had an exit velocity of 107.2 mph, as measured by Statcast™, and Gomez has only two homers in the Statcast™ era with a higher exit velo. One of them was hit July 17 against Seattle.

Gomez, who batted eighth and played left field, is looking at his stint with the Rangers as a fresh start from his struggles with the Astros this year.

The 30-year-old two-time All-Star hit .210 in 85 games with the Astros before being released on Aug. 18.

“Having the opportunity to come to a team that can be in the playoffs is a [blessing],” Gomez said before the game. “I feel like my season will start today. You have to put some work in, too, to make the best of it. I’m happy to be in this clubhouse.”

Rangers manager Jeff Banister is well aware of the talent Gomez brings to a team. He watched Gomez put together both of his All-Star campaigns in 2013 …

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