Rangers Clear Spot for Andrew McCutchen, DFA Dairon Blanco

The Texas Rangers made a series of roster moves on Wednesday, headlined by the decision to designate outfielder Dairon Blanco for assignment while selecting the contract of veteran Andrew McCutchen from Triple-A Round Rock, a move that clears a spot on the 40-man roster for McCutchen. In additional moves, left-hander Cody Bradford was placed on the 15-day Injured List as he continues to rehab from elbow surgery, and infielder Cody Freeman landed on the 10-day IL due to a lumbar stress reaction. While reports earlier in the week indicated McCutchen had made the Opening Day roster, Wednesday’s transaction clarifies how the Rangers created space.

Blanco, 33, had only recently been claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals , but ultimately became the odd man out in a crowded outfield picture. A speed-first player, Blanco’s value lies in late-game defense and baserunning. However, with Evan Carter healthy and joined by established contributors like Brandon Nimmo and Wyatt Langford, opportunities at the major-league level were expected to be limited.

McCutchen, 39, now projects to fill a more defined role as a designated hitter. At this stage of his career, his defensive days in the outfield are likely behind him, but his offensive profile still offers value — particularly against left-handed pitching. TEX transactions for Wed.

to set 26-man roster: -OF Andrew McCutchen contract selected from AAA Round Rock -LHP Cody Bradford placed on 15-day IL (L. elbow surgery rehab) -INF Cody Freeman placed on 10-day IL (lumbar stress reaction) -OF Dairon Blanco designated for assignment pic. twitter.