Texas Rangers claim Luke Farrell on waivers

Texas Rangers transactions: Luke Farrell has been claimed on waivers by the Rangers from the Los Angeles Angels, the team announced today. Farrell is a 27 year old righthanded pitcher who has mostly started in the majors, and has mostly relieved in the minors. He’s the son of former Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell.

Farrell was originally a 6th round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals in 2013. He was purchased from the Royals by the Dodgers in July, 2017, then was claimed on waivers from the Dodgers by the Reds 12 days later. In October, 2017, the Cubs claimed Farrell on waivers from the Reds, and then in September, 2018, the Angels claimed Farrell on waivers from the Cubs. In Iowa last season, Farrell had a 3.65 ERA in 54 IP over 12 starts, with 61 Ks against 28 walks.

Farrell has a 5.28 ERA and a 5.46 FIP in 44 major league innings in 2017 and 2018, with 3 starts and 27 relief appearances. He has 48 Ks against 26 walks and 9 home runs allowed.

Farrell has an option remaining, so he could be someone the Rangers keep around as AAA depth for 2019, someone they can bounce between the majors and minors. Or the Rangers could give him a long look as a multi-inning bullpen guy this spring. Or Farrell could end up on the waiver wire next week or next month as the Rangers try to slip him through waivers and outright him.

With Farrell being claimed, the Rangers’ 40 man roster now stands at 37.