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The Texas Rangers have announced a series of moves this afternoon, as they continue to winnow down the spring training roster as Opening Day gets closer.
Nate Schierholtz, who was informed today that he would not make the Opening Day roster, has exercised the opt-out clause in his contract, and is now a free agent. The Rangers could look to bring him back on a minor league deal and send him to AAA if he does not find a major league job elsewhere.
Ross Ohlendorf has been re-assigned to the minor league camp. He has been diagnosed with a groin strain and will be on the shelf for a period of time while he rests and gives it the opportunity to heal, although the Rangers have apparently indicated they expect him pitching for the major league team at some point this year. Ohlendorf will presumably start the year on the minor league d.l., get some innings at AAA once he's ready to pitch, and then get promoted at some point.
Anthony Ranaudo, one of the contenders for the fifth starter spot, has been optioned to AAA Round Rock. That leaves Nick Martinez and Nick Tepesch as the final two candidates to join the rotation.
And finally, Juan Carlos Oviedo has been informed he will not make the major league team. Like Schierholtz, he's got the ability to opt out, and will have to decide if he would rather test the free agent waters, or stay here and pitch in AAA.
UPDATE -- Oviedo has exercised his opt out rights and is now a free agent.
