Texas Rangers make some roster moves

Mar 7, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Michael Kirkman (50) throws in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers made a few moves today and are closer to finalizing the 25-man roster for Opening day.  The deadline for clubs to cut their rosters to 25 is Sunday.

Michael Kirkman: Today they designated Michael Kirkman for assignment.  This doesn’t come as surprise.  Kirkman did have a few good outings during spring training, but he was he was far from stellar last season with the Texas Rangers.  Kirkman had an ERA of 5.25 over 5 starts/12.0 innings during spring training.  He allowed 10 hits, 7 runs, walked 8 and struck out 12.  It is easy to see there wasn’t enough to say it wouldn’t be more of the same for him in 2014.  Last season Kirkman had an ERA of 8.18 over 25 games/22 innings with the Rangers.

Scott Baker: The Rangers also formally signed Scott Baker to a minor league deal.  He will be assigned to Triple-A Round Rock.  He was recently acquired by the Rangers.  He threw in a bullpen for the Rangers this past Wednesday before they broke camp.

Chris Gimenez: The Rangers have claimed Chris Gimenez off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.   The Rangers had to release Kirkman to make room for him on the 40-man roster.  Gimenez has had what looks like a decent spring training so far.  For spring training he has a batting line of .242/.324/.333.  Gimenez has bounced around the league a bit since 2009 and only has played in 143 games.  Over that time he has a batting average of .199 with 13 doubles and 1 home run.  It looks like Gimenez is another catcher the Rangers have acquired to back up J.P. Arencibia and/or Robinson Chirinos in case something happens to one of them.