Texas Rangers release Jeremy Guthrie

The Texas Rangers and Jeremy Guthrie have parted ways today, per John Blake on Twitter.  Blake tweets that Guthrie exercised the out clause in his minor league contract with the Rangers, which gave him the right to become a free agent if he were not added to the 40 man roster.

Guthrie was competing for the fifth starter spot, but apparently wasn't going to be selected, thus prompting him to take his release.

There's no indication yet as to who the fifth starter will be, although A.J. Griffin, also in camp on a minor league deal, appears to have the inside track for the job.  Chi Chi Gonzalez has been optioned, so he is no longer in the mix, which leaves Nick Martinez, Phil Klein and Cesar Ramos as possible candidates, along with Griffin.

If Griffin gets the nod, the Rangers will have to open up a 40 man roster spot for him.