Rangers Designate Andrew McCutchen For Assignment
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- The Texas Rangers signed utility infielder Nicky Lopez to a major league contract and added him to the lineup as second baseman against the Astros, while designating Andrew McCutchen for assignment.
- McCutchen, who signed a minor league deal in spring training and had a declining performance over four years, batted .192 with one home run in 83 plate appearances for Texas this season.
- McCutchen is likely to be released this week as Texas has five days to trade or place him on waivers; he can decline a minor league assignment while keeping his salary.
- Lopez, recently designated for assignment by the Cubs and a free agent, brings defensive versatility at second, third, and shortstop, with a career .245/.309/.310 slash line over nearly 2,400 plate appearances.
- The Rangers have been adjusting their middle infield due to injuries to Josh Smith and Corey Seager, with Lopez expected to bolster the position alongside Ezequiel Duran and Justin Foscue.