Trade to help Rangers bullpen doesn’t materialize
Major league teams had to submit their Opening Day rosters by 2 p.m. Sunday, a deadline that didn’t give the Texas Rangers enough time to find left-handed relief help.
The beneficiary was right-hander Anthony Bass, who beat out fellow righty Jon Edwards and left-hander Alex Claudio for the final spot in the seven-man bullpen. The Rangers will open the season Monday night at Oakland with no lefty relievers.
Bass’ future, though, remains unknown.
“That’s a good question,” he said.
Daniels will continue to look for a lefty after bringing only three to spring camp and seeing Sam Freeman, acquired March 28, fail to hold his roster spot. Freeman has been designated for assignment with the hope that he will clear waivers and be outrighted to Triple A Round Rock.
“We did have some conversations the past 24 hours, but nothing materialized,” Daniels said. “We’re going to get going tomorrow and give this ’pen a chance to jell. I think there’s some potential health coming from within. We’ll see how it goes.”
#Rangers numerical roster for Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/uWa2vWy858
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) April 5, 2015In the meantime, Bass will be asked to throw multiple innings, something he has done in the past.
“I’ve done everything at this level,” he said. “I know the role quite well.”
Righties Tanner Scheppers (left ankle) and Kyuji Fujikawa (right groin) were placed on the disabled list Sunday. Scheppers, who pitched a scoreless inning Sunday for Frisco, can be activated April 12 and Fujikawa on April 16.
In addition to purchasing Bass’ contract and designating Freeman, the Rangers also purchased the contract of righty reliever Keone Kela; placed Matt Harrison (back) and Lisalverto Bonilla (elbow) on the 15-day DL; and put righty Yu Darvish (Tommy John surgery) on the 60-day DL.
Banister on the mend
Manager Jeff Banister didn’t arrive in the Bay Area until Sunday afternoon after getting a night’s sleep at home as he battles flu-like symptoms. The rest apparently helped, and he will be on the bench for the opener.
“We’re not 100 percent, but we’re trending in the right way,” he said. “It would take more than this to keep me away.”
He had time to consider the Rangers’ Opening Day lineup, but didn’t divulge the order.
He said that Robinson Chirinos will catch; the infield will include Prince Fielder, Rougned Odor, Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre; Ryan Rua, Leonys Martin and Shin-Soo Choo will make up the outfield; and Mitch Moreland will be the designated hitter.
Yovani Gallardo is the starting pitcher.
Jeff Wilson, 817-390-7760
This story was originally published April 5, 2015 at 8:20 PM with the headline "Trade to help Rangers bullpen doesn’t materialize."