Rosales' roller-coaster ride sends him back to Texas

TORONTO -- Adam Rosales was on the move again Monday, rejoining his old team.

His other old team.

Two days after being designated for assignment by the A's for the second time in 13 days, Rosales was claimed off waivers by the Rangers -- for the second time in seven days.

"I don't know what to say about that," manager Bob Melvin said. "What are you going to do?"

The Rangers originally claimed Rosales from the A's on Aug. 2, and he was in uniform for three games against the A's, but did not play. Then, when they needed extra outfielders to make up for the loss of the suspended Nelson Cruz, Texas was forced to designate Rosales for assignment, leading to the A's picking him up again.

Except they didn't have room for him on the roster, keeping him for all of one day before placing him back on waivers, hoping he'd get through this time so they could keep him in the organization. But the Rangers, after all, realized they needed another utility infielder. So, they came beckoning for his services again.

"Adam is a quality big league infielder," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "We've always liked the way he goes about the game and the energy he brings. As our circumstances have changed over the past week or so, it changed our ability to carry him. We're glad to get a second chance at it."

"It's crazy," A's third baseman Josh Donaldson said. "I hope Adam gets a legitimate shot. He's a good baseball player, and everyone in this clubhouse respects him, not only as a player, but as a person. Everyone in here will be rooting for him, except when he's playing against us."

Rosales hit just .191 in 51 games spanning three stints with the A's. The numbers aren't overwhelming by any means, but the club truly valued his defense.

"I'm happy for him. Rosie's a solid big league player, and I'm happy somebody wants him and that he can have that opportunity over there," first baseman Brandon Moss said. "It [stinks], because it's them, but I wish the best for him. He's one of those people you can't help but root for."

"He's just excited to be on a team," right-hander Dan Straily said. "He just wants to play, wants to play every day."