Texas Rangers acquire Venable, DFA Choice

The Texas Rangers have acquired outfielder Will Venable from the San Diego Padres for Marcus Greene and a player to be named later, according to John Blake on Twitter.

Venable, 32, is a lefthanded hitter who can play all three outfield spots.  With Josh Hamilton's questionable health, and Leonys Martin appearing likely to be out for the year with his broken hand, Venable gives the Rangers some depth and insurance in the outfield.  Venable is hitting .258/.318/.378 on the season.

To clear a spot on the 40 man roster for Venable, the Rangers have designated outfielder Michael Choice for assignment.  Choice was a former first round draft choice who was acquired by the Rangers in the deal that sent Craig Gentry and Josh Lindblom to Oakland, with Chris Bostick and Choice coming to Texas.  That's a deal that hasn't worked out for either team, as none of the four have done much.  Choice has struggled mightily at AAA this season, and seemed to be a likely 40 man roster casualty.

Greene, who turns 21 later this month, was a 16th round draft choice of the Rangers in the 2013 draft.  He has a .218/.365/.500 line in 96 plate appearances for Hickory, splitting time between catching and DH.

The Rangers now are going to have to make a pair of 25 man roster moves tomorrow, with Derek Holland returning to the active roster and Venable being added.  Chi Chi Gonzalez will be sent down to make room on the 25 man roster for Holland, and my guess is that Leonys Martin will be recalled and put on the 60 day disabled list to clear a 40 man roster spot for Holland.  Venable likely replaces Ryan Strausborger on the 25 man roster, unless Josh Hamilton goes to the d.l.