The Texas Rangers have activated pitcher Jon Gray from the 60 day injured list, the team announced today. To make room for Gray on both the active roster and the 40 man roster, the Rangers have designated pitcher Luke Jackson for assignment.
Gray has been out since a comebacker during a spring training game fractured his wrist. He made three rehab appearances prior to being activated, and the team had indicated it was to be determined whether Gray would return as a starter or in the bullpen. This
would seem to indicate he is going to be used, at least for now, as a reliever.
As for Jackson, he started the season as the team’s closer, but lost that job fairly quickly. He has not pitched particularly well this year — he has a 4.11 ERA, but a 4.74 xERA, a 5.01 FIP and a 4.84 xFIP. He has a -0.6 bWAR this year and a -0.4 fWAR. In addition, Jackson has incentive bonuses he would be triggering if he continued pitching in the majors this season, with potentially up to $1.25 million in incentives he could earn, which, given the Rangers’ desire to stay below the Competitive Balance Tax threshold, makes him pricier than I think they would like.
The Rangers have seven days to waive, trade or release Jackson.
