Texas Rangers executive vice president of communications John Blake announced on Monday that the team has designated Ross Ohlendorf for assignment. The move was made for right-hander Phil Klein, who was called up Monday.
Ohlendorf made eight appearances for the Rangers this season, posting a 3.52 ERA in 7.2 innings. The 32-year-old spent the majority of the season at AAA Round Rock, where he posted a similar 3.60 ERA across 19 appearances (25.0 innings).
The Princeton product makes an intriguing waiver wire candidate for clubs looking for a cheap bullpen fix. While he’s seen minimal action in 2015, Ohlendorf has had some success and could prove to be a valuable depth option who has also proven to be a reliable spot starter in recent years. If he clears waivers, Ohlendorf would have the option to elect free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to the minors.
The Nationals could be interested in a reunion with their former reliever if they miss out on Tyler Clippard and other bigger-name bullpen arms, and plenty of other clubs could find Ohlendorf to be of some value as bullpen depth.
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