ARLINGTON -- If the Rangers are looking for recommendations on pitcher Matt Harvey, they will get a strong, positive one from assistant pitching coach Dan Warthen.
Warthen was Harvey's pitching coach with the Mets before joining the Rangers in the offseason. He has a high opinion of the veteran right-hander, still maintains a good relationship with him and believes he can help get his former pupil turned around.
The process is early, though. The Mets just announced Friday afternoon that Harvey had been designated for assignment after he refused a Minor League assignment. A former All-Star who helped pitch the Mets to the World Series in 2015, Harvey is 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA in four starts and four relief appearances this season.
When a player's contract is designated for assignment -- often abbreviated "DFA" -- that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster, and 25-man roster if he was on that as well. Within seven days of the transaction (it was previously 10 days), the player must either be traded, released or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.
"My guess is that there are people out there who are willing to take a shot on Matt Harvey," Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters in New York.

Rangers sources said it's a subject that will be discussed internally. The Rangers consider all options when looking to improve their club and have been known to take chances on players who are looking for a place to revive their careers.
Friday's starter against the Red Sox, Bartolo Colon, is a prime example of that, and the Rangers are still counting on pitcher Timothy Lincecum to contribute later this season. They also signed veteran pitcher Edinson Volquez this spring even though he will miss the 2018 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
There are still obstacles, including the remaining portion of Harvey's $5.625 million contract. Harvey is also a free agent after the season, so the Rangers could be reluctant to take on a project without being able to count on long-term benefit.
But the Warthen/Harvey connection alone makes the Rangers one team to watch when it comes to potential landing spots.
Perez taking his time
Left-hander Martin Perez has been able to play catch on flat ground since going on the disabled list with soreness in his right arm. But that doesn't mean he is planning on a quick return.
"I am going to take my time and not do anything stupid," Perez said.

Perez had offseason surgery after suffering a fractured radial bone on the tip of his right (non-throwing) elbow. He came back quicker than expected but was placed on the disabled list Monday with more soreness in the arm. Perez said it's not the result of rushing back too soon.
"Spring Training was good," Perez said. "My first game back was really good. I didn't hurt it until my last start. I don't know what happened. I don't know why. It's not really related to the surgery. It's closer to my hand. I'm good. I am going to be ready as soon as possible, but I am not going to rush it."
Rangers beat
• With Perez out, the Rangers are down to five healthy starters. Manager Jeff Banister acknowledged that means Mike Minor likely will make his next start on four days' rest. Minor, who pitched Thursday, has been given extra rest between his starts, but right now he's scheduled to pitch Tuesday against the Tigers.
"He has shown the ability to recover," Banister said. "He has been very diligent in his routine and his workouts. In our conversations, he has talked about his willingness to go on [four days'] rest."

• After his five-RBI game Thursday, Nomar Mazara has 187 RBIs in his first 325 games. That's the sixth-most in Rangers history, behind Juan Gonzalez (219), Mark Teixeira (216), Ruben Sierra (198), Hank Blalock (198) and Rusty Greer (187).
• Catcher Carlos Perez, who was claimed off waivers from the Braves on Wednesday, said he was excited when he found out he was headed to the Rangers. He will serve as backup to fellow Venezuelan Robinson Chirinos.
"It is really cool," Perez said. "The Rangers have a lot of Latin players. That's good for me. I know a lot of these guys. I feel like I am home."
• Rougned Odor, who is on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Saturday night. His first game will be at designated hitter. It will be his first game since April 9.