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Texas Rangers claim Tyler Smith on waivers

Because Jon Daniels had a 40 man roster spot burning a hole in his pocket, he made a waiver claim

By Adam J. Morris
College World Series - Game Two Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Texas Rangers made a transaction today, though it wasn’t one of the exciting (or not so exciting) trades we have been anticipating would be coming down.

No, instead, the Rangers have claimed infielder Tyler Smith on waivers from the Seattle Mariners. Smith, 26, was an 8th round pick in the 2013 draft, and had 19 plate appearances in the majors this season. He’s played mostly shortstop for AAA Tacoma this year, but also plays second base and third base. In AAA, he has put up a .239/.330/.347 slash line.

Smith isn’t really a prospect, though his being claimed gives the Rangers some more infield depth in AAA. This move has had some folks speculating that Jurickson Profar could be on the move, but while Profar could be heading elsewhere, its more likely the Rangers had an open 40 man roster spot and saw a guy they could claim and then try to outright later in the season.

Smith could also, theoretically, end up being called up to the majors next week if the Rangers decide they are going to go back to having an actual backup infielder.

The Rangers 40 man roster is now at 39.