Texas Rangers Moves and Other News

The Texas Rangers are making their final roster decisions as we head into the home stretch of Spring Training.

Today the Rangers announced the release of 40-year old right-handed pitcher Jamey Wright from his minor league contract. Wright had a 9.64 ERA over 9.1 innings pitched. Texas also traded infielder Elliot Johnson (6-31, .194) to the Los Angeles Dodgers today for cash considerations.

Over the weekend, the Texas Rangers released right-handed pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo (1-1, 4.91) and outfielder Nate Schierholtz (9-34, .265) from their minor league contracts. Right-handed pitcher Anthony Ranaudo (0-3, 5.02) was optioned to Round Rock (AAA) and righty Ross Ohlendorf (2-0, 0.00) was reassigned to minor league camp.

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The Texas Rangers acquired left-handed relief pitcher Sam Freeman from the St. Louis Cardinals for a player to be named later or cash over the weekend. The native 27-year old Texan made 5 appearances this spring in the Grapefruit League. He had no record with a 3.60 ERA over 5.0 innings pitched.

I assumed left field would be a race between Jake Smolinski and Ryan Rua and today Jeff Banister named Rua as the Texas Rangers left field starter. He is batting .364 in his 10-game hit streak. Smolinski leads the Rangers in doubles (5). Rua and Smolinksi are tied for the team lead with 8 extra-base hits. So it makes me happy that Smo has also made the team.

Adam Rosales has earned the utility infielder role, which also makes me happy because Rosie plays hard every time he’s on the field. Rosales is batting .270 with three doubles, one stolen base, one home run while driving in 5 runs.

The Rangers have sent right-handed pitcher Tanner Scheppers to Arlington to have an MRI on his sore right ankle and to meet with Dr. Meister.

*UPDATE* Jeff Wilson of Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports (via Twitter) that Scheppers has no structural damage to ankle and will resume throwing.

Opening Day Information:

Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics on April 6 at 9:05 p.m. (CT)

RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. RHP Sonny Gray

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