Rangers notes: Joe Beimel released, prospect auditions over now for some

The auditions of one veteran left-handed pitcher and a crop of highly valued prospects came to an end Monday for the Texas Rangers.

Left-hander Joe Beimel, whom the Rangers signed March 6 with hopes of making him a matchup lefty in the bullpen, was released after a horrible spring. Beimel got a late start to camp, which likely did him no favors.

He allowed 11 earned runs on 13 hits in just three innings, the last outing coming Saturday against the Brewers. Beimel’s departure leaves Alex Claudio as the only left-handed reliever in camp.

The top two prospects in the organization — third baseman Joey Gallo and catcher Jorge Alfaro — were moved out of major league camp to give them more consistent at-bats and playing time. Both have established players ahead of them on the Rangers’ roster and had little chance to break camp on the roster. But both acquitted themselves exceptionally during their first major league spring trainings.

“They’re both in good spots and you can clearly see the development from both guys from last year,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “It was time [for them] to go out and get everyday at-bats and get ready for the season.”

Alfaro was optioned to Double A Frisco. Gallo was assigned to minor league camp along with first baseman Kyle Blanks, outfielder Jared Hoying and right-hander David Martinez. Catcher Tomas Telis and right-hander Spencer Patton were optioned to Triple A Round Rock. Daniels said Gallo’s destination — either Round Rock or Frisco — would be disclosed when the entire minor league rosters are announced.

Blanks, who has major league experience with the Padres and A’s, dealt with Achilles’ tendon injuries in both ankles early in camp. The Rangers hope he can rejuvenate his swing in the minors and be an option in Arlington later this season.

“Give Kyle the opportunity and ability to get out and start working and get himself going in the direction he needs to,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said.

The future for Gallo remains a hot topic, especially after he hit two homers and a double in 32 at-bats this spring and looked sharp defensively. Alfaro hit .313 with a double and triple in 16 at-bats.

“They’re going to take a wealth of experience away from being in the major league experience,” Banister said. “It’s time for them to get into those routines.”

Would Gallo be an option if Adrian Beltre got hurt?

“I think we’d definitely have to take into account where Joey was at, how he was playing,” Banister said. “I’m sure we’d all put our heads together, all the scouts to make the collective decision on whether or not Joey would be the appropriate player at that time.”

Banister reiterated that Gallo would remain at third but added it’s possible he might work some in the outfield in the minors.

Choo takes cuts

Shin-Soo Choo went 3 for 5 with two doubles in a Triple A game against the Mariners on Monday afternoon. He also struck out and flew out against right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma, who was pitching in the game to stay away from the AL West foe Angels in Seattle’s A game. Choo has been nursing a sore triceps muscle in his throwing arm but is fine to hit. He expects to resume throwing Thursday.

Harrison’s back

Left-hander Matt Harrison threw 15 pitches off the mound Monday afternoon for the first time since May 13, when he left with an injury that later required spinal fusion surgery.

Players released

The Rangers released nine players from minor league camp, including right-handed pitcher Kyle Castro, a 2011 third-round draft choice. The others were infielders Janluis Castro and Smerling Lantigua, right-hander Austin Delmotte, left-handers Tony Davis, Darrell Hunter, Luis Pollerena and Efrain Nieves, and outfielder Teodoro Martinez.

This story was originally published March 23, 2015 at 8:49 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: Joe Beimel released, prospect auditions over now for some."