Texas Rangers claim Peter O’Brien on waivers

The Texas Rangers have claimed 1B/LF Peter O’Brien on waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. To make room for O’Brien on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have moved Tyson Ross from the 10 day d.l. to the 60 day d.l. Ross, who is making a rehab start on Monday, is still on schedule to be activated from the disabled list in a week or so, and this is just a procedural move for him to clear a 40 man roster spot.

O’Brien, 26, is a former 2nd round pick of the New York Yankees. Originally a catcher, O’Brien has one very loud tool — power that grades at 75 or 80, at least raw — but no real defensive position. In addition, O’Brien’s hit tool has not been good enough for the raw power to consistently translate to production.

O’Brien has a career .176/.228/.446 slash line in 79 major league plate appearances, all with the Diamondbacks in 2015 and 2016. Arizona waived him over the winter, and he was claimed by the Royals. The Royals waived him earlier this month, and he was claimed by Cincinnati. Now, he’s a Ranger.

O’Brien will report to Frisco for two games, then go to AAA Round Rock. The Rangers will presumably work with him to figure out if they can turn him into a useful hitter.

In the meantime, the Rangers will have to clear a 40 man roster spot once again when Ross is ready to return.