Rangers designate Joe Benson for assignment, release Justin Miller

The Rangers needed to open up a pair of 40 man roster spots in order to make room for their September additions.

John Blake has just announced that those spots were opened up by designating outfielder Joe Benson for assignment and releasing righthanded pitcher Justin Miller.

Benson was claimed on waivers earlier this season from the Minnesota Twins.  Benson is out of options after the season, and while he showed a good glove and some speed, he didn't hit for the Rangers.

Miller posted a 7.67 ERA this season in 27 innings split between Frisco and Round Rock.  The 26 year old was a 16th round draft pick in the 2008 draft, and put himself on the map with a very nice season in 2011 for Frisco.  However, Miller missed all of the 2012 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and spent much of this season working his way back after the surgery.

There is the possibility that the Rangers are releasing Miller so that they can immediately re-sign him to a minor league deal, without another team having the chance to claim him on waivers.