:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59241351/usa_today_10738977.0.png)
The Texas Rangers have purchased the contract of pitcher Bartolo Colon, adding him to their 25 man and 40 man rosters in advance of his start tonight against the Oakland A’s.
To make room for Colon on the 25 man roster, the Rangers have optioned pitcher Nick Gardewine to AAA Round Rock. Gardewine was added to the 25 man roster on Saturday when Delino DeShields was placed on the disabled list, and all indications had been that Gardewine would, barring an injury to someone else, be sent down today to make room on the roster for Colon.
To make room for Colon on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have transferred relief pitcher Ricky Rodriguez from the 10 day disabled list to the 60 day disabled list. Rodriguez is dealing with right elbow inflammation, and wasn’t expected to be in the mix for a major league spot until late May anyway, once he’s had time to rest and get his elbow right and then spend some time working in the minors, so this is mainly procedural in nature.
The interesting question is whether Colon stays on the 25 man roster past today. Martin Perez and Tony Barnette are both eligible to be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday, and Perez is slated to start against the A’s then. Jose Leclerc would be optioned to create one 25 man roster spot, but if the Rangers wish to activate Barnette, as well, and there’s not an obvious candidate to be sent down to clear a spot for Barnette if the Rangers want to keep Colon.
The Rangers renegotiated Colon’s deal at least in part, per reports, to address the possibility that he would be designated for assignment after his start today. Its still unclear whether Colon has agreed to go to Round Rock if he clears waivers, or if the plan is to keep him in the majors and to make a move with one of the other relievers.
In addition, first baseman Tommy Joseph, who was designated for assignment last week, has cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Frisco, per John Blake. Joseph had been outrighted once before, and thus had the right to become a free agent rather than accept the outright assignment.