SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Texas Rangers acquired left-handed pitcher Sam Freeman from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations, the team announced Saturday.
Freeman began last season with Triple-A Memphis before being called up to the Cardinals. With St. Louis, he made a career-high 44 appearances out of the bullpen, recording a 2-0 record with a 2.61 ERA. He has been added to the Rangers' 40-man roster and is expected to begin the season in the major leagues.
"He [Freeman] has a very good arm," said Rangers general manager Jon Daniels. "He has a fastball, split, slider mix and has had some success with the Cardinals. He actually does better against righties than lefties, so he isn't a matchup guy."
Born in Houston, Freeman graduated from Hebron High School in Carrollton, Texas, and still resides in Lewisville, a suburb of Dallas. He pitched at North Central Texas College in Gainesville and was selected by St. Louis in the 32nd round of the 2008 draft out of the University of Kansas.
Other Rangers roster moves:
RHP Anthony Ranaudo was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.
RHP Russ Ohlendorf was assigned to minor league camp. He is currently out with a mild right groin strain and is expected to begin the season on the minor league disabled list.
OF Nate Schierholtz has been granted his release from his minor league contract.
RHP Juan Carlos Oviedo was informed he won't make the team and was offered a minor league assignment. He is weighing his options.
Injury news: Outfielder Antoan Richardson underwent successful surgery on two herniated disks. He is expected to miss 8 to 10 weeks.
