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The Houston Astros have designated catcher Carlos Corporan for assignment, in order to add newly signed outfielder Colby Rasmus to the 40 man roster.
While Rasmus is someone I'd speculated could be a potential fit for the Rangers, Corporan is someone who has been rumored to be of actual interest to the Rangers. Texas is seeking a veteran backup for starting catcher Robinson Chirinos, and Corporan, 31, would seem to be a good fit. Adding Corporan would allow Texas to keep Tomas Telis and Chris Gimenez in AAA as depth.
The switch-hitting Corporan is a career .226/.286/.350 hitter, although since his 506 OPS season in 2011, he has hit a respectable (for a catcher) .237/.297/.383 in 485 plate appearances.
The Astros have 10 days to waive, trade or release Corporan, who is under contract for 2015 for $975,000. The Astros will almost certainly trade him, and I suspect the Rangers will be one of the teams negotiating with Houston. While the Rangers' 40 man roster is now full, the newly-acquired Gonzalez Germen could find himself designated for assignment to make room for Corporan, if a deal can be struck.