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The Texas Rangers have claimed lefthanded pitcher Michael Kickham off of waivers from the Seattle Mariners, and optioned him to AAA Round Rock. To make room for Kickham on the 40 man roster, Ryan Rua has been moved to the 60 day disabled list.
Kickham has a career 10.98 ERA in 30.1 IP for the San Francisco Giants, although his career FIP is "only" 6.02. He's worked primarily as a starter in the minors, and primarily in relief in the majors. Kickham has a 7.29 ERA for the M's AAA affiliate this season, with 28 wakls against 12 Ks in 21 IP.
Kickham was a 6th round pick of the Giants in the 2010 draft, and was claimed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs this winter. The Cubs then traded Kickham to Seattle in January for Lars Huijer. Kickham was designated for assignment when the M's brought up Mark Lowe and Joe Beimel.
It will be interesting to see if Kickham gets a look as a starter or a reliever in Round Rock, and will also be interesting to see how long he stays on the 40 man roster, since the Rangers will be needing to clear some space later in the summer, and he's a prime candidate for them to try to run through waivers and outright.
Rua, meanwhile, is now unable to return from the disabled list until June 10.
