The Texas Rangers have made a roster move involving veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen, designating the former National League MVP for assignment after a difficult stretch at the plate. McCutchen, who struggled to a .192 batting average across 37 games, was removed from the active roster as the team looks for more production and flexibility amid growing injury concerns in the infield.
The decision comes as Texas deals with multiple absences in key middle infield positions. Shortstop Corey Seager is currently sidelined with lower back inflammation, while second baseman Josh Smith has yet to return after being hospitalized due to viral meningitis. With both players unavailable, the Rangers have been forced to reshuffle their infield depth, prompting roster adjustments.
To help stabilize the roster, Texas brought in free agent infielder Nicky Lopez, a move aimed at adding versatility and defensive reliability. In order to create space for Lopez, McCutchen was designated for assignment. President of baseball operations Chris Young emphasized that the organization continues to respect McCutchen’s accomplishments and leadership, but said the team’s current injury situation demanded a change to improve infield flexibility and coverage.
Young noted that the Rangers are particularly thin on the left side and middle of the infield, which made Lopez an attractive addition. Lopez has extensive MLB experience, having played in 693 games over parts of eight seasons with multiple teams. He was recently designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs before joining Texas on a major league deal.
The Rangers also experienced another setback when shortstop Ezequiel Duran left a recent game against Houston after four innings due to illness, further stretching the team’s infield depth. In response, Lopez was inserted into the lineup at shortstop, while Justin Foscue filled in at second base. The constant lineup changes highlight the instability Texas is currently managing in the middle infield.
McCutchen’s limited production this season included two doubles, one home run, and five RBIs. A notable portion of his role came as a pinch hitter, where he recorded 21 plate appearances—the most pinch-hit at-bats by any player in Major League Baseball this season. Despite his struggles, he remained a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse.
Now, the Rangers have seven days to decide whether to trade McCutchen, release him, or attempt to outright him to the minor leagues if he clears waivers.
McCutchen’s departure marks another chapter in a long and accomplished career. Originally drafted in the first round in 2005 by the Pittsburgh Pirates, he debuted in 2009 and became one of the franchise’s most iconic players. He spent his first nine MLB seasons in Pittsburgh, earning five consecutive All-Star selections and winning the 2013 National League MVP award. His blend of power, speed, and leadership made him one of the most recognizable players of his era.
After leaving Pittsburgh, McCutchen spent time with several organizations before eventually returning to the Pirates for another stint. Over his career, he has compiled more than 2,000 games played with a .271 batting average, 333 home runs, 1,157 RBIs, and 220 stolen bases.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker acknowledged McCutchen’s stature in the game, noting that competing against him during his MVP season left a lasting impression. He described McCutchen as a professional who handled the roster decision with understanding, despite the difficulty of the situation.
Meanwhile, Chris Young also provided updates on the injured players. Seager has resumed light baseball activity, though there is still no clear timeline for his return, despite being eligible to come off the injured list. Smith’s recovery is progressing after his illness, and the team expects to evaluate his strength and readiness before determining a return schedule. Young expressed gratitude to the medical staff supporting Smith’s recovery and remains hopeful he will rejoin the team once fully cleared.
Leave a Reply