Rangers News: Texas claims pitcher off waivers from Mets, former All-Star hits FA

After a couple weeks of largely unhappy news, the Texas Rangers finally got some good news on Wednesday when Max Scherzer started his rehab assignment down in the minor leagues. Sure, he gave up a couple of home runs and only threw 52 pitches, but this was about giving Scherzer some reps and starting to stretch him back out after his long layoff with a back injury. The results, for now, should be secondary.

However, that wasn't the only Rangers news that dropped on Wednesday as the Rangers roster looks a little bit different on Thursday morning.

Texas Rangers News: Kolton Ingram from the Mets

Given all the injuries Texas has had to deal with, it's hardly surprising that they are remaining vigilant in watching the waiver wire to help fill in some of the gaps. One such opportunity did present itself as the Rangers claimed reliever Kolton Ingram off of waivers from the Mets, who DFA'ed him after being forced to call up Tomas Nido to replace the injured Francisco Alvarez.

Ingram has big-time strikeout stuff, but has struggled to with his command in the minor leagues, which has kept him from sticking in the majors. As to what role Ingram could play for Texas going forward, he is headed to Triple-A for the moment. However, the Rangers could use another lefty in the their bullpen with Brock Burke out after breaking his hand punching a wall, and at least one Rangers beat writer seems to think Ingram could be taking his place on a permanent basis.

Texas Rangers News: Jared Walsh decides to become a free agent

Jared Walsh was one of the feel-good stories from Rangers spring training. After dealing with some scary neurological issues during his time with the Angels, Walsh joined the Rangers this offseason and raked during spring training. When Nathaniel Lowe got hurt, Texas signing Walsh when they did looked like a genius move as they were able to slide him right in at first base.

Unfortunately, Walsh was unable to replicate his success from spring training in the regular season as he only managed a .226/.317/.321 line in 60 plate appearances. Once Lowe returned from the IL, the Rangers no longer had use for Walsh on the big league roster and they designated him for assignment last weekend.

While it would have been nice if the Rangers could've held onto Walsh in the minors as a depth piece, the slugger decided he wanted to keep his options open, and elected to become a free agent instead.

More Texas Rangers News from Nolan Writin'