OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma RedHawks manager Bobby Jones says he can use some help for his bullpen, but he isn't spending time worrying about whether left-hander John Rocker will report to the team.

Rocker, whose callous remarks about minorities in 1999 led to a suspension, was optioned to the Triple A RedHawks early Wednesday, hours after he blew a save for the Texas Rangers in the 10th inning against Anaheim.

"There's no guarantees he's coming here," Jones said. "He's got 72 hours to decide whether he's going to show up, so right now we're not even worried about it."

Through six games with the Rangers, Rocker was 0-1 with one save, two blown saves and a 9.53 ERA. He has nine strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, but also has allowed 11 hits and seven runs -- six earned -- with four walks.

"John's performance just hadn't been what we think his ability is," Rangers general manager John Hart said. "There is no question the arm strength is still there, but the results haven't been there."

Rocker, 27, was one of the top young closers in baseball in 1999, saving 38 games and helping the Atlanta Braves reach the World Series.

That offseason, he made offensive comments about gays, minorities and immigrants in an interview with Sports Illustrated and was suspended for the first two weeks of the 2000 season.

He eventually was traded to the Cleveland Indians, and was acquired by the Rangers in December.

"Our bullpen has been struggling a little bit and he's struggled in the big leagues," Jones said. "If he wants to continue playing, then he comes down here and hopefully we get him back on the right track."

Jones said he wasn't concerned about the attention surrounding Rocker potentially causing problems if the pitcher joins the RedHawks.

"If it was going to be a distraction, it would have happened in spring training, but he seemed to go about his business and pretty much stayed to himself and was quiet and didn't make any waves," Jones said. "So if he comes here, hopefully it'll be the same thing."

Rocker has until Friday night to report to the Redhawks. Hart said he expects Rocker to accept the assignment, although he was still discussing options with the pitcher's agent, Joe Sambito.

Sambito wouldn't say what Rocker's plans were. But Hart said trading the reliever wasn't a likely option.

Jones said Rocker will make it back to the big leagues if he pitches well and does what is asked of him in Oklahoma City.

"If he comes down and is pouting and mad, then chances are he'll be here all year long," Jones said. "So it's up to him, whatever he wants to do."