Texas Rangers’ Scott Feldman: Activated or Placed on Waivers? Which Is It?

Various reports and rumors surfaced yesterday that Scott Feldman would be placed on waivers so that the Texas Rangers could outright him to AAA Round Rock.

Then last night, a reliable post surfaced saying that Scott Feldman is not being placed on waivers and will be activated from the DL today. The reliable source of course was T.R. Sullivan, who made the report last night on his blog saying:

"Pitcher Scott Feldman will be activated tomorrow off the disabled list according to sources. The Rangers are still planning that move. There are reports that Feldman has been put on waivers but he will be activated by the Rangers on Thursday"

I must say that I am much happier about the activation choice, assuming it is true, than the waivers choice.

Feldman had microfracture surgery on his knee and has been rehabbing. It was originally reported that he would be placed on waivers, which would allow him to be claimed by another team. However, they would have to pay his contract salary, which is more than most teams would be willing to pay – approximately $4 million this year and another $6 million next year. So, it was almost a sure thing that he would pass through waivers being unclaimed. He would go down to the Minors as a starter so that he would be stretched out and ready to go should the Rangers need to call him up and put him in the starting rotation.

At one time, it was thought that Scott Feldman would come off the disabled list and replace either Derek Holland or Alexi Ogando in the starting rotation; however, both are holding up their own fort and the starting rotation is holding together pretty strong. Derek Holland made a statement last time out getting his third career shutout, which helped him stay in the rotation, and Alexi Ogando has proved that he still has what it takes to stay in the rotation.

We will update you as soon as we know exactly what the Rangers organization is doing.