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Per reports, the Texas Rangers have put outfielder Julio Borbon on waivers.
Borbon was designated for assignment last week to make room on the active roster for Nick Tepesch. The Rangers at that point had until 1 p.m. Central time today to work out a trade with another team, or else he would have to be put on waivers.
Because no deal was reached, Borbon has been waived, and can be claimed by any of the other 29 teams. Because Borbon is out of options, a claiming team would have to keep him on their 25 man roster.
If Borbon is not claimed on waivers, then the Rangers will be able to outright him to AAA Round Rock. However, it is expected that some team will claim him, with the Houston Astros, the New York Mets, and the Minnesota Twins viewed as the most likely suspects.
Borbon was a supplemental first round pick of the Rangers in the 2007 draft, and excited the team with his ability to be a spark plug at the top of the lineup in a late season audition in 2009. Borbon was the team's Opening Day starter in centerfield in both 2010 and 2011, but ended up losing his job both seasons. In 2011, he suffered an injury and was replaced on the roster by Endy Chavez, who remained on the 25 man roster after Borbon was healthy, resulting in Borbon spending the rest of the 2011 season in the minors.
Borbon got good reviews for his performance in spring training this year, but the Rangers were set in center with Leonys Martin and Craig Gentry, so barring an injury, his being designated for assignment was an inevitability.