ARLINGTON -- The Rangers decided they couldn't go any further with struggling reliever Sam Dyson. He was a big part of their success in winning American League West division titles the past two years, but Texas finally decided it had seen enough.
The Rangers designated Dyson for assignment on Friday to make room for Jose Leclerc coming off the disabled list. Texas has 10 days to trade Dyson, release him or get him through outright waivers.
General manager Jon Daniels said he expects to be able to trade Dyson before that time is up.
"Obviously, Sam was a huge part of us winning the last couple of years," Daniels said. "There was definitely some frustration on our part. We couldn't put him in the right spot to recreate that magic. He is healthy and has been healthy. He just hasn't been able to get back to where he is capable. You can't hide that at a competitive level."
Dyson was released with a record of 1-6 with a 10.80 ERA and opponents hitting .392 off him. Dyson's main pitch is a hard sinker, but he wasn't getting the downward movement on it like he has in the past -- or during the World Baseball Classic this spring, when he was unhittable.
"There are no mop-up roles," Daniels said. "Everybody has got to be prepared to pitch in close games. We couldn't go there anymore."
Dyson began the season as the Rangers' closer, but he lost that job after allowing 13 runs in his first six games. He went on the disabled list, and then he posted a 1.80 ERA in his first eight games back. At that point, the Rangers were expressing optimism that he was back on track. But he allowed eight runs in his past three games, and manager Jeff Banister said consistency was the biggest challenge.
"We are in the business of winning baseball games," Banister said. "We've got to find a way to win baseball games. There are decisions made by multiple people, collectively, to move in a different direction."
Daniels said the Rangers have talked to other clubs, but with almost two months to go before the Trade Deadline, trading for immediate relief help does not appear likely.
"There's no trade market … nowhere to look," Daniels said. "There are a couple of clubs looking to move sooner than later. Our goal is to get our group together. We still have to evaluate our group and the group in the Minor Leagues."
Most notable at Triple-A Round Rock is right-hander Preston Claiborne, who pitched for the Yankees in 2013-14. He is 2-0 with a 1.74 ERA and five saves for Round Rock. Tanner Scheppers was just activated off the disabled list after missing three weeks with upper back spasms.
"We are reviewing all our options," Daniels said.