Texas Rangers Opening Day roster moves

The Texas Rangers 2018 Opening Day roster has been finalized. Martin Perez, Ricky Rodriguez, Tony Barnette and Tim Lincecum have all been placed on the 10 day disabled list, retroactive to March 26, moves that we knew were happening.

In addition, as expected, Kevin Jepsen has been added to the 25 man roster and the 40 man roster. To make room for Jepsen on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have designated first baseman Tommy Joseph for assignment. Joseph was claimed on waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies on March 19, 2018.

I had assumed Ricky Rodriguez would be placed on the 60 day disabled list to open up a roster spot for Jepsen, but designating Joseph for assignment is not a big shock. The Rangers had the ability to create an open 40 man roster spot at the time he was claimed, and they snagged him to give them more depth in the minors.

Joseph can reject an outright assignment and become a free agent, having been outrighted once before, in 2015. I would assume that, if he clears waivers, the Rangers will seek to keep him in the organization on a minor league deal.

The final roster:

Pitchers — Cole Hamels, Matt Moore, Doug Fister, Mike Minor, Keone Kela, Matt Bush, Kevin Jepsen, Chris Martin, Jake Diekman, Alex Claudio, Jose Leclerc, Jesse Chavez

Catchers -- Robinson Chirinos, Juan Centeno

Infielders -- Joey Gallo, Rougned Odor, Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltre, Jurickson Profar

Outfielders — Ryan Rua, Drew Robinson, Carlos Tocci, Delino DeShields, Nomar Mazara, Shin-Soo Choo