Rangers claim Kruger on waivers

The Texas Rangers claimed catcher Jack Kruger on waivers from the Anaheim Angels, the team announced today. To open up a spot on the 40 man roster for Kruger, the Rangers moved Kyle Cody from the 10 day injured list to the 60 day injured list.

Kruger, 26, was a 20th round draft pick of the Angels out of Mississippi State in 2016. A nice season in 2018 with the bat put him on the back part of some Angels prospect lists heading into 2019, but a 609 OPS in AA in 2019 saw his stock crater.

Kruger had been added to the active and 40 man roster when Max Stassi was sidelined a few days ago by a concussion. He was then replaced by Drew Butera, who the Rangers sent to Anaheim for cash considerations, and designated for assignment.

Kruger gives the Rangers a healthy catcher on the 40 man roster for the time being that they can have on the taxi squad or in Round Rock — Butera, though not a 40 man member, had been the taxi squad catcher prior to his being dealt. I suspect Kruger gets DFA’d once the Rangers need to open up a 40 man spot.

Cody has been on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, and this move would seem to indicate he is a ways away from being ready to return.