Shelby Miller DFA’d, Jesse Biddle activated

Texas Rangers transactions: Shelby Miller has been designated for assignment to open up a 25 man roster for Jesse Biddle. Biddle, a lefthanded pitcher who was claimed on waivers on Friday, already was on the 40 man roster as of the date he was claimed.

The righthanded pitching Miller was signed in the offseason as a reclamation project for the rotation. The former 1st round pick had missed most of the last several seasons with various arm issues, most recently Tommy John surgery, and the hope was that he would be back to his old self this year. He struggled mightily in the rotation, however, before moving to the bullpen, where he had flashes of success mixed in with poor performances. He ends his time here with an 8.59 ERA in 44 innings over 8 starts and 11 relief appearances. Texas has 7 days to waive, trade or release him, and he will almost certainly be put on release waivers.

Biddle, 27, is a lefty who was solid for Atlanta in 2018, but who has been bad with both the Braves and Mariners this year. He is one of three lefthanded pitchers in the Ranger pen, along with Brett Martin and Locke St. John. He is out of options, so Texas has to keep him on the roster or else waive him if they want to send him down. My guess is that they will evaluate him over the next couple of weeks and see if they can straighten him out.