The Rangers announced that they have re-signed right-hander Jimmy Herget to a major league deal. It’s a $700K split contract, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweets. The team designated outfielder Scott Heineman for assignment in a corresponding move. Its 40-man roster remains at capacity.
The Rangers non-tendered Herget last week, but the 27-year-old wasn’t away from the organization for long. Herget, whom the Rangers claimed via waivers from the Reds last winter, threw 19 2/3 innings in Texas in 2020 and posted an impressive 3.20 ERA. There were some red flags, however, including a 5.23 FIP and a poor strikeout/walk ratio (7.78 K/9, 6.41 BB/9). But Herget does boast a very good minor league track record. He saw extensive action in Triple-A ball in three different seasons as a member of the Cincinnati organization and combined for a 3.17 ERA with 9.6 K/9 against 3.9 BB/9 over 150 frames.
Heineman’s designation continues an eventful week-plus for the 28-year-old. The Rangers non-tendered Heineman, quickly brought him back on a major league pact, and now he’s off their roster again. Heineman, a Ranger since they used an 11th-round pick on him in 2015, has slumped to a .189/.259/.331 line with three home runs in 139 big league plate appearances. Like Herget, though, Heineman has performed respectably in Triple-A, where he has batted .307/.371/.463 and slugged 19 HRs across 651 PA.