Tim Federowicz outrighted, Asdrubal Cabrera released

Texas Rangers transactions: Catcher Tim Federowicz has cleared waivers and been outrighted to AAA Nashville, the Rangers announced today, Infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, meanwhile, has been placed on release waivers.

Both Federowicz and Cabrera were designated for assignment two days ago, with Federowicz being replaced by Jose Trevino, and Cabrera being replaced by Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Federowicz has been outrighted before, so it appears he is accepting an outright assignment to Nashville rather than electing free agency. Federowicz would seem to be the first guy to be called up if the Rangers were to need another catcher.

Since Federowicz isn’t on a 40 man roster now, he can also be traded, since the July 31 trade deadline applies on to players on a major league contract. If a contender needs a catcher this month, Texas would be able to send him to another team, and I suspect his accepting the outright assignment was with the understanding he would be traded if a major league opportunity arose. (UPDATE — No player who has been on a major league contract at any point in 2019 can be traded. Thus, Federowicz would have to be released to sign elsewhere.)

Cabrera, meanwhile, is apparently being released. He will then be a free agent, and I would assume will keep an eye open for a team in contention that may suffer an injury to an infielder in August, or that may need depth in the infield for the stretch run.