Bush activated, Otto optioned

The Texas Rangers have activated pitcher Matt Bush from the 60 day injured list for the season finale, the team announced today. To clear a roster spot on the active roster for Bush, the Rangers optioned pitcher Glenn Otto. To clear a 40 man roster spot for Bush, the Rangers designated pitcher Wes Benjamin for assignment.

Bush made the Rangers’ Opening Day bullpen after coming to camp as an NRI, but a week into the year landed on the injured list with a flexor tendon strain. Bush spent the summer rehabbing in Arizona, has been out on a rehab assignment, and now is returning for the final game. This appears to be an Attaboy for Bush working hard all year to get back into a place where he can pitch again. I do not expect that Bush will stick on the 40 man roster, but will likely be re-signed to a minor league deal this offseason.

Otto being optioned is just a way to clear a roster spot, since Otto pitched earlier this week and isn’t available to pitch today.

As for Benjamin, this is the culmination of what has been a very disappointing 2021 season. After getting on the radar and making his major league debut in 2020, Benjamin made the team in 2021 as part of a tandem starting arrangement. His struggled with his command early on, however, and get sent down to Round Rock/the Alternate Training Site. Benjamin spent most of the year bouncing between Round Rock and Texas, with the Rangers pulling him up when they needed an extra bullpen arm, particularly one who could give them some length. Benjamin didn’t pitch well for either Texas or Round Rock, and he was one of the guys on the 40 man bubble this offseason.

Benjamin will now be placed on waivers, and he can, if he isn’t claimed, elect free agency once the World Series ends (if he isn’t added back to the 40 man roster for some reason before then).