:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44378756/usa-today-7846770.0.jpg)
Ben Rowen, who was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers earlier this week in order to open up a spot on the team's 40 man roster, has been placed on release waivers, according to Gerry Fraley.
Fraley writes that an "obscure sub-section" of the MLB rules prevented the team from putting Rowen on outright waivers, due to his being injured at the start of the season and spending time on the active roster. I looked at the CBA, but couldn't figure out what that sub-section was.
The upshot of this is that, if no one claims Rowen, he becomes a free agent, rather than the Rangers having the ability to keep him in the organization on a minor league deal. Presumably, the Rangers would seek to re-sign Rowen, but he would have the ability to sign with anyone. Of course, if he is claimed on waivers, then he would go to the claiming team.