Texas Rangers transactions: Austin Jackson designated for assignment

Texas Rangers transactions: Austin Jackson, the outfielder acquired by the Rangers from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, has been designated for assignment, the team announced today. The Rangers now have seven days to waive, trade or release the veteran outfielder.

This move is not a surprise, as Jon Daniels had indicated when the trade was made that Jackson was told to hold off on reporting. As we said at the time, taking Jackson — who is in the first year of a two year, $6 million contract — was the price the Rangers paid to obtain A-ball pitcher Jason Bahr. The Rangers are effectively paying $4-5 million to buy Bahr, as well as getting veteran righty reliever Cory Gearrin, who was also part of the deal.

The Rangers could end up finding a taker for Jackson, though they will almost certainly have to absorb most of the remainder of his salary obligation. Most likely, however, Texas will end up waiving Jackson, and he will become a free agent. If he does end up returning to the majors between now and 2019, whatever he is paid by his new club will offset what the Rangers pay him.

The Rangers’ 40 man roster is now down to 39, although that roster spot will be filled by Martin Perez when he is activated from the disabled list on Saturday.