Pitcher Michael Hauschild, a Rule 5 pick of the Rangers this winter, has cleared waivers and been returned to the Houston Astros, per John Blake on Twitter.
Hauschild was seen as a potential rotation candidate this spring, and ended up sticking on the 25 man roster in a bullpen role. Hauschild gave up runs in each of his four outings for the Rangers, though, and as a Rule 5 pick, he had to stay on the 25 man roster or be waived.
The Rangers couldn't live with that lack of flexibility given Hauschild’s struggles, and thus he was designated for assignment on Thursday. Once he cleared waivers, he had to be offered back to the Astros, his original club, for $50,000 — half what the Rangers paid to draft him. Houston did opt to take him back, which means Hauschild’s time in the Ranger organization has come to an end.