Veteran outfielder Drew Stubbs is reportedly heading back to the Texas Rangers after the sides reached an agreement on a major league deal Saturday.
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram passed along word of the signing. The team sent pitcher Alex Claudio to Triple-A and transferred injured outfielder Josh Hamilton to the 60-day disabled list to complete the transaction. Jared Sandler of the Rangers Radio Network confirmed the moves.
Stubbs has bounced around the league since the Cincinnati Reds traded him to the Cleveland Indians in late 2012. He's also made stops with the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves. Sandwiched between those stints was a stay with the Rangers.
The 31-year-old Texas native was a September call-up at the end of the 2015 campaign. He struggled, with just two hits in 21 at-bats (.095 average) and no homers across 27 games.
Stubbs signed with the Braves late in spring training this year after using an out clause in his Texas contract and made the team's Opening Day roster. His lackluster production at the plate continued, however, with a .237 average and one homer in 20 games. He did steal four bases in four tries, though.
Atlanta designated him for assignment earlier in the week as the struggling squad decided to shake up its roster. The Rangers didn't waste much time bringing him back.
Wilson provided insight from general manager Jon Daniels about the deal:
Ultimately, while Stubbs isn't a reliable everyday starter, he's capable of playing all three outfield spots and brings some speed to the table. He'll likely spend most of his time coming off the bench in the late innings, at least at the outset.
Things could change over the next month, though. Center fielder Delino DeShields hasn't done much so far (.301 OBP and three steals), while Shin-Soo Choo and Josh Hamilton are on the road to recovery. It will force the Rangers to make some decisions as those other options get healthy.
Stubbs needs to make a quick impact in whatever role he's given to show he's worth a roster spot once the Rangers have a full complement of outfielders available.
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