Why is Robbie Grossman, who was placed on waivers, starting for the Texas Rangers?
The Texas Rangers placed outfielder Robbie Grossman on waivers Thursday. He hit second and played designated hitter for them on Friday vs. the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field.
Texas Rangers place Travis Jankowski, Robbie Grossman on waivers
Short story: Because he can. Longer story: Players who are placed on waivers can continue to play for that team until another one claims them, which means that both Grossman and outfielder Travis Jankowski — who was also placed on waivers Thursday — can continue to suit up for Texas unless they are claimed. It’s different from the “designated for assignment” move in which players are immediately removed from the 40-man roster and passed through waivers.
Friday’s game could, theoretically, be both Grossman and Jankowski’s final home game as Rangers. A player must be in a team’s organization before 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday to be eligible for the postseason roster. So, if a contender wants to add Grossman’s ability to hit left-handed pitching or Jankowski’s defense and speed in time to help in the playoffs, they’d need to be claimed before that deadline. Clubs could put in a claim for either player based on waiver priority determined by reverse order of the standings.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy did not comment on either move Friday.
