Rangers Add Six Players, DFA Two; Finalize 40-Man Roster

The Rangers had four empty spots on their 40-man roster going into Wednesday night's 7:00 P.M. CT deadline to finalize their roster before the Rule 5 Draft on December 12th. The Rangers added six players to their 40-man roster and designated two players for assignment.

Today’s roster moves: RHPs Demarcus Evans and Tyler Phillips and OF Leody Taveras selected from Frisco. RHP Kyle Cody and INFs Sherten Apostel and Anderson Tejeda selected from Down East. RHP Taylor Guerrieri and LHP CD Pelham designated for assignment. Roster at 40.
— John Blake (@RangerBlake) November 21, 2019

These weren't earth-shattering moves, but a couple players in the organization that are now not protected from December's Rule 5 Draft are RHP Joe Barlow and INF Eli White.

CD Pelham is a notable DFA for the ball club. He made it to the major league roster in 2018 and pitched in 10 innings with a 7.04 ERA. With several bullpen spots to fill, Pelham could've been thrown into the competition in spring training.

With the roster set at 40 players, if the Rangers sign a free agent, they will have to make a corresponding roster move by either trading a player or designating someone for assignment.

UPDATE: Adrian Sampson is finalizing a deal with the Lotte Giants of the KBO League in South Korea.

According to this (and a source), Adrian Sampson is going to South Korea to play for the Lotte Giants. https://t.co/eNpupdGXIW

Unclear if this was official in time to have any impact on protecting Rule 5 guys today or not, but as best I can figure, roster is at 39 now.
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) November 21, 2019

With Sampson heading overseas, this will open up a spot on the 40-man roster. The Rangers can't add anyone from within the organization until after the Rule 5 Draft. However, this does carve out a spot on the roster for a free agent signing.

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