Sborz’s Assignment Clause Could Send Him to Another Club by Tomorrow

The Texas Rangers face a roster decision by tomorrow as Josh Sborz’s minor league deal contains an assignment clause that could send him to another organization. If Texas does not call him up, any Major League team can claim him. Sborz, who spent six seasons with the Rangers, is currently pitching well at Triple-A Round Rock after returning on a minor league contract this offseason.

Sborz has compiled seven innings of one-run ball in the minors this season with eight strikeouts against four walks. His fastball is sitting in the 94-95 mph range, as he showed during a perfect inning with two strikeouts in his latest Triple-A appearance. The 32-year-old reliever has a 4.96 ERA in 154 MLB appearances but also boasts a 27.7% strikeout rate, making him a potential trade chip if another club creates space for him.

Sborz was a key late-inning arm for the Rangers during their 2023 World Series run, pitching 12 innings of one-run ball in the postseason. The team non-tendered him after the 2025 season due to a full year lost to shoulder surgery. Now, with a strong start in the minors, the Rangers are weighing whether to promote him or risk losing him to another team.

The Rangers’ 40-man roster is currently full, complicating any potential call-up. Cody Freeman and Cody Bradford are on the injured list and the only candidates for a move to the 60-day IL. That would free up 40-man roster space but not until late May. Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reported that the Rangers could opt to option Luis Curvelo back to Triple-A to make room for Sborz, but Curvelo is already dealing with an apparent arm injury and may soon be placed on the injured list.

Curvelo exited his appearance against the A’s on Monday night with an apparent arm injury after throwing a pitch several feet off the plate. The team has not yet provided an update, but an IL stint seems likely. With Curvelo potentially sidelined, the Rangers could find themselves with more roster flexibility than expected.

Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reported that Freeman has begun baseball activities after a lower back injury, while Bradford is on hold with his rehab from elbow surgery due to general soreness. Both players are progressing but not yet ready to return to the active roster.

The Rangers must decide by tomorrow whether to promote Sborz or allow another team to claim him. If no club shows interest, he will remain in Triple-A. The decision could impact the team’s bullpen depth and minor league options as the season progresses.