Ian Desmond officially signs, Tanner Scheppers to the 60 day d.l.

The Texas Rangers officially announced the signing of free agent Ian Desmond today.  To make room for Desmond on the 40 man roster, the Rangers put pitcher Tanner Scheppers on the 60 day disabled list.  Scheppers had surgery on his left knee, and is expected to be out for the first half of the season.

Desmond is expected to be the Rangers' regular left fielder, but there is still an opening for a backup centerfielder.  James Jones and Drew Stubbs are currently battling  for that spot, and the Rangers will have to make another roster move to open up a roster spot for one of them, assuming that one of the pair makes the Opening Day roster.  Sam Freeman is out of options, and if he doesn't win a spot in the bullpen, he would be a 40 man roster casualty.  Otherwise, the Rangers could conceivably put Josh Hamilton on the 60 day d.l., if they don't think he would be activated until late May.  While Hamilton is scheduled to be back in early May, his history is such that it probably makes sense to anticipate that that may be optimistic.