Texas Rangers Activate Tyson Ross Along with Three Other Moves

Don’t count out the Texas Rangers just yet as the team has been surging as of late. Just 2.5 games out of the AL Wild Card after Saturday. The team activated starter Tyson Ross, and made a few more moves. How will these roster changes impact the team?

Prior to Saturday’s game against the Astros the Texas Rangers made a handful of moves. None of the moves considered “huge”, but getting starter Tyson Ross back should help the team down the stretch.

This season Ross is 3-2 with a 7.11 ERA in eight starts, but has pitched better than his statistics. The biggest problem has been his lack of command. In 38 innings Ross has walked 25 batters this season. If he can fix his command issues he could settle in nicely in the back of the rotation.

In order to activate someone that means somebody must be sent down. Outfielder Ryan Rua was sent down to Triple-A, but hasn’t played since being recalled on July 31. He’s been unable to find a place to play in Arlington this season.

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The 27-year-old Rua has played in just 45 games for the Rangers in 2017. He’s hitting .202 with three home runs and 11 RBI. The Rangers thought he could be a platoon option against lefty pitchers, but it hasn’t worked out that way this season.

According to Sam Butler, the Rangers acquired infielder Philip Gosselin off waivers from Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old has struggled in the MLB this season, but put together reasonable numbers in Triple-A.

Through 28 games with Pirates, Gosselin is hitting .150 with one RBI and six hits in 40 at-bats. He’s hitting .266 with 26 RBI in 63 games at Triple-A this season. Gosselin is a career .272 hitter in parts of five MLB seasons.

The Rangers also sent infielder Tyler Smith to Triple-A. The 26-year-old infielder was recalled for the Mets series, but did not see any game action. He was acquired from the Mariners on July 30.

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None of these moves are game changing transactions, but Ross and Gosselin could make an impact even if it’s minor. Hopefully Rua can find his swing, because his power is a real weapon. The Rangers look to continue their winning ways on Sunday against the Astros.