Breaking: Rangers Confirms The Signing Of Another Top Player

The Rangers have signed right-hander Nabil Crismatt to a minor league deal, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News on X. Crismatt will join the Triple-A Round Rock team in the coming days.

The 29-year-old became a free agent earlier this week after several stints with the Dodgers this year. Initially signed to a minor league deal over the winter, he was added to their roster in late March, pitched one game, was designated for assignment, and accepted an outright. He was called up again in late April, made four more appearances, and was then removed from the roster once more.

Despite these transactions, Crismatt’s limited major league performance this year has been solid. He’s given up two earned runs over seven innings, striking out six without walking anyone. In Triple-A, he has a 5.68 ERA over 12 2/3 innings, though his 28.8% strikeout rate and zero walks are promising. The high ERA is due to three home runs, a 55.6% strand rate, and a .353 BABIP.

Texas Rangers sign RHP Nabil Crismatt to minor league deal | @Evan_P_Grant https://t.co/kknEVhmQX6

— SportsDay Rangers (@dmn_rangers) May 22, 2024

Crismatt had a tough 2023 season, plagued by a hip strain and resulting struggles, posting an 8.31 ERA in 13 MLB innings and a 6.86 ERA in 59 Triple-A innings. However, he was effective in 2021 and 2022 as a long reliever with the Padres, recording a 3.39 ERA over 148 2/3 innings across 95 appearances, with a 21.6% strikeout rate, 7.3% walk rate, and a strong 50.6% ground ball rate.

Rangers Sign Nabil Crismatt To Minor League Deal https://t.co/lFnFqaaYu5 pic.twitter.com/EfPCOYXzRT

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) May 22, 2024

The Dodgers frequently rotate players through their bullpen, leading to Crismatt’s multiple transactions. Now with the Rangers, he aims to establish a role in Arlington. The Rangers have ten pitchers on the injured list, though Dane Dunning is set to return and start today. Nonetheless, they still have Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Tyler Mahle, Cody Bradford, Nathan Eovaldi, Brock Burke, Carson Coleman, Austin Pruitt, and Josh Sborz sidelined.

Given Crismatt’s decent numbers this year and his solid past performance with the Padres, he might get called up if the Rangers need a fresh arm. If he makes it to the majors, he’s out of options but could be retained beyond this season if he secures a roster spot.