Cory Gearrin active, Austin Bibens-Dirkx optioned

Texas Rangers transactions: Cory Gearrin has been added to the Texas Rangers’ active roster, the team announced today. To make room for Gearrin on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have optioned Austin-Bibens-Dirkx to AAA Round Rock.

Gearrin was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in yesterday’s trade that also brought Austin Jackson and Jason Bahr to the Rangers in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. Gearrin and Jackson were both added to the 40 man roster yesterday, and it was indicated then that Gearrin, a righthanded reliever, was expected to join the Rangers today. Jackson, on the other hand, has been told to hold off on reporting, and Jon Daniels said the Rangers are looking to try to trade him somewhere where there is more playing time available.

Gearrin provides an additional arm in the pen for the time being, while Bibens-Dirkx is the odd man out with Martin Perez’s impending return to the rotation. Bibens-Dirkx was added as a rotation member only after Yohander Mendez got demoted after he broke team rules in Kansas City a couple of weeks ago. Bibens-Dirkx has gotten four starts since then and done a respectable job, but with Mike Minor and Cole Hamels in the rotation and not going anywhere, and Yovani Gallardo and Bartolo Colon unable to be optioned, Bibens-Dirkx is the guy who goes back down to make room for Perez.

Perez will likely be activated from the 60 day disabled list at some point during the series in Baltimore which starts on Friday. A 25 man roster spot will have to be opened for him, which would likely be done, barring injury, through Ryan Rua being optioned, Carlos Tocci being put on the disabled list, or Ricky Rodriguez being sent back down. The Rangers will also have to clear a 40 man roster spot for him, though it appears likely that will be accomplished by either trading Austin Jackson, or designating him for assignment. Alternatively, the Rangers could designate Carlos Perez, currently on a rehab assignment, for assignment, or recall Nick Gardewine and put him on the 60 day d.l.