Rangers Promote Rule 5 Pitcher Baumler to MLB Roster in Surprise Move

The Texas Rangers will carry Rule 5 right-hander Carter Baumler on their Opening Day roster, with manager Skip Schumaker delivering the news via a mid-game mound visit that his client had made the team. Baumler, 24, has battled injuries (Tommy John and shoulder surgery) but impressed this spring, posting 9 1/3 shutout innings with strong strikeout and ground-ball rates. If he remains on the major-league roster all season, Texas gains five years of control plus three minor option years; if he’s sent to the minors at any point, he would clear waivers and the Orioles could reclaim him for a nominal sum. Baumler’s workload history and spring performance give him a real chance to stick in the Texas bullpen for now.