Texas Rangers Shake Up Team Making Four Roster Moves

The trade deadline is officially over, but that’s not going to stop the Texas Rangers from making moves. What changes has the team made, and how will this impact the ballclub?

Over the last couple days the Texas Rangers have been busy making changes to their organization. None of these moves are “blockbuster” moves, but they could impact the team in the short-term.

To start off the Rangers sold reliever Ernesto Frieri’s contract to the Seattle Mariners for $1. The 32-year-old reliever was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA in six games. The Rangers were just looking to open up a roster spot with this move.

Trading away Frieri allowed the Rangers to call up reliever Ricardo Rodriguez. This season Rodriguez is 5-1 with a 1.34 ERA in 35 appearances and 17 saves between Single-A and Double-A.

The stats don’t lie for Rodriguez as he’s thrown 47 innings and allowed just 24 hits. He’s given up one home run and struck out 61 batters. He’s been an elite late reliever in the minor leagues this season.

On Wednesday the Rangers sent starter Nick Martinez to Triple-A Round Rock. The organization wants to keep Martinez in a “starting mentality”, but are likely going to activate Tyson Ross soon. Manager Jeff Bannister feels Martinez wouldn’t benefit in the MLB bullpen.

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This season Martinez is 3-4 with a 5.38 ERA in 16 games (13 starts) with the Rangers. He’s allowed 20 home runs in 80 innings this season. A stint down to Triple-A might not be a bad idea for Martinez.

In a corresponding move the organization has recalled infielder Tyler Smith. According to Chris Bumbaca, the Rangers claimed Smith on July 30, two days after he was designated for assignment by Seattle.

The 26-year-old infielder made this debut this season with Seattle. He went 3 for 16 with one RBI in 10 games. He’s hitting .237 with six home runs and 29 RBI in Triple-A this season.

Smith will likely only be on the big league roster for a few days. That is why the organization chose him over Jurickson Profar. It is possible we see both players join the team in September.

Next: Three Ways To Improve The Rangers This Off-Season

The Rangers open up an important 10-game homestand against the first place Houston Astros. Time is running out and the Texas need to capitalize these next few weeks.