John Blake just tweeted that the Rangers' deal with A.J. Pierzynski is now official. In order to make room for Pierzynski on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have designated catcher Luis Martinez for assignment.

Martinez functioned as the Rangers' third catcher last season, spending most of the year in Round Rock but coming up on occasion and being pressed into service when, for example, Mike Napoli was on the disabled list.

The Rangers' 40 man roster remains at 40 with Pierzynski being added and Martinez being designated for assignment. The Rangers still have three catchers on the 40 man roster -- Pierzynski, Geovany Soto, and newly-claimed Eli Whiteside. The Rangers also have catcher Konrad Schmidt in the organization. Schmidt was claimed on waivers earlier this offseason by the Rangers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and then was later waived by the Rangers and outrighted to AAA Round Rock.

The Rangers have ten days to waive, trade or release Martinez.