The Texas Rangers have selected the contract of reliever Ben Peoples, making him eligible for his Major League debut. The move occurred before the team's scheduled matchup with the Detroit Tigers in Arlington, which sits approximately 13 miles east of Fort Worth. Peoples, a right-handed pitcher, was acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a trade earlier this week.
To create a roster spot for Peoples, the Rangers optioned pitcher Winston Santos to Triple-A Round Rock. Peoples was also added to the team's 40-man roster. Because the organization had two open slots available, no player needed to be designated for assignment to facilitate the transaction.
The team also announced that three players previously designated for assignment had cleared waivers and elected free agency. Outfielder Jarred Kelenic, along with pitchers Joe Ross and Chris Paddack, refused minor league assignments and will not remain with the organization. Paddack had been signed to a Major League deal on Monday and pitched four innings in relief that night, but was designated for assignment the following day.
Peoples spent the season with Triple-A Charlotte, where he posted a 2.39 earned run average in 29 games. Opposing batters hit .156 against him, with right-handed hitters managing only a .103 average. His performance ranked seventh in the International League for both ERA and games pitched.
Santos, who was called up last Wednesday, threw two innings in his most recent appearance in Cleveland. He allowed two hits, two earned runs, and a home run, while issuing one walk and two wild pitches. The Rangers plan to develop Santos as a starter in Round Rock. It remains unclear whether Peoples will pitch in Thursday's game, as the team typically allows new call-ups time to prepare.
