Julio Borbon designated for assignment

Per T.R. Sullivan, the Texas Rangers have designated outfielder Julio Borbon for assignment.

Borbon, a supplemental first round draft pick in the 2007 draft, had a great late-season run in 2009 that had folks excited about his potential to be a top-of-the-order hitter. However, despite starting both the 2010 and 2011 seasons as the team's starting centerfielder, Borbon could not replicate his early success. His struggles at the plate, combined with his mental lapses in the field and on the bases, got him in Ron Washington's doghouse, a place from which he has since been unable to escape.

Borbon had a strong spring that allowed him to stick on the Rangers' Opening Day roster, but barring an injury, it was inevitable that he would be dropped from the 25 man roster when Nick Tepesch was called up to join the rotation. Borbon is out of options, which means that he would have to clear waivers in order to be outrighted, something no one thinks is likely to happen.

The Rangers now have 10 days to trade, waive or release Borbon.