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The Texas Rangers have acquired RHP Miles Mikolas from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for first baseman Chris McGuiness.
Mikolas, 25, was acquired by the Pirates from the San Diego Padres in a minor deal earlier this offseason.
McGuiness had been designated for assignment last week when the Rangers officially announced the signing of Shin-Soo Choo, in order to clear a 40 man roster spot for Choo.
Because Mikolas is also on the 40 man roster, the Rangers had to clear a 40 man roster spot for Mikolas. They have done so by designating outfielder Rafael Ortega, claimed on waivers from the Colorado Rockies earlier this offseason, for assignment. Ortega appears to be someone who has a good chance of clearing waivers and being able to be outrighted.
Mikolas has one option remaining, and will likely provide the Rangers with readily available bullpen depth in AAA. John Sickels says that Mikolas can hit 98 mph, but his fastball is straight. The write-ups of him remind me of Mark Lowe.
