Barlow, Benjamin up, Evans down, de Geus DFA’d

The Texas Rangers have recalled pitcher Wes Benjamin and have purchased the contract of pitcher Joe Barlow. To make room for Benjamin on the active roster, the Rangers have optioned Demarcus Evans to AAA Round Rock. To make room for Barlow on the active and 40 man roster, the Rangers have designated Brett de Geus for assignment.

Barlow, 25, was an 11th round pick of the Rangers in 2016. Barlow has put up impressive numbers beginning in 2018, when he had a sub-2 ERA for Hickory, but his command issues have resulted in his being exposed to the Rule 5 Draft the past two offseasons. Barlow has allowed 6 runs in 21 IP over 17 games for Round Rock this season, with 29 Ks against 8 walks. Barlow will get a chance to show he can miss bats and avoid walks in the big league bullpen now.

Benjamin returns to Texas, and I’ve lost track of how often he’s gone up and down this year. He’s had issues both in the majors and in Round Rock, and he may just be up until David Dahl is activated. Or he may be up longer.

Demarcus Evans showed flashes but struggled to throw strikes and command his pitches in the strike zone, and after yesterday’s four run, five hit outing in 0.2 IP, he’s going back to Round Rock, though I suspect he’ll be back at some point.

Brett de Geus gave up 3 runs in 1.1 IP yesterday, raising his ERA to 8.44 on the year, and the Rangers have now elected to move on. De Geus was a Rule 5 pick from the Los Angeles Dodgers, which means that if the Rangers waive him and he clears waivers, he has to be offered back to Los Angeles.