Texas Rangers news: After designating Kevin Jepsen for assignment earlier this week, the Rangers have announced that Jepsen has declined the assignment to Round Rock and been granted his release, as is his right.
Jepsen, as we wrote when he was DFA’d, was a star at Spring Training camp to earn a spot in the bullpen before a heavy early workload for the relievers ultimately ended up being his undoing.
In other news, the Rangers have acquired LHP Michael Roth from the Chicago Cubs and assigned him to Triple-A Round Rock. If you remember the name, it’s because he’s been a Ranger before, albeit very briefly.
Roth debuted with the Angels back in 2013 after just 22 innings in the minor leagues in his debut season as a professional the previous year. After stalling out with Anaheim, Roth signed with Texas back in 2016 and worked his way up to the roster for one appearance. On July 4, 2016, Roth tossed 3 2⁄3 innings against the Red Sox and allowed six runs in a 12-5 loss.
For his career, Roth has an ERA of 8.50 in 36 Major League innings pitched. In 653 innings, including 113 starts and 141 appearances in the minors since 2012, Roth has a career 3.79 ERA.
Roth has spent the last few years in the minor league systems of the Giants, Rays and Cubs. In 2018, Roth had a 3.03 ERA in seven appearances (five starts, 29 2⁄3 innings pitched) for Triple-A Iowa. However, Roth has been on the disabled list since May 8, so, *shrug*.
Update: Per John Blake on Twitter, the Rangers sent the Cubs cash for Roth.