Texas Rangers release Michael Kirkman

The Texas Rangers have released lefthanded reliever Michael Kirkman.

Kirkman, 28, was a 5th round pick of the Rangers in the 2005 draft.  He spent parts of the 2010-14 seasons in the majors, but could never improve his command to the point where he could stick in the majors.  The Rangers released him in December, and then re-signed him to a minor league deal with an invitation to the major league camp.

Kirkman was one of four lefthanded relievers in the Rangers' camp this spring.  With his departure, that leaves Joe Beimel and Alex Claudio, both of whom are on the 40 man roster, as well as Martire Garcia, who is on a minor league deal, as lefthanded relief options.