Arlington, Texas — The Texas Rangers today announced that the club has re-signed free agent right-handed pitcher Jimmy Herget to a Major League contract. To make room for Herget on the Major League roster, the team has designated outfielder Scott Heineman for assignment.
Herget, 27, was not tendered a contract offer by the Rangers prior to the December 2 deadline, which made him a free agent. He went 1-0 with a 3.20 ERA (7 ER/19.2 IP) over 20 games/one start for Texas in 2020, ranking second on the staff in appearances and relief innings (18.2). He spent nearly the entire season on the active roster spanning two stints: July 31-August 10 and August 12-end of season.
The Tampa native has seen Major League action in each of the past two seasons with Cincinnati (2019) and Texas (2020), combining for a 3.46 ERA over 25 games/one start.
Heineman was re-signed by Texas on December 3, this after he was not tendered a contract offer by the Rangers prior to the December 2 deadline. He appeared in 24 games over two stints with the Rangers last season (Opening Day-September 9 and September 13), batting .154 with one home run and 7 RBI. Originally selected by Texas in the 11th round of the 2015 June draft, he has seen Major League action with the club in each of the last two seasons, batting a combined .189 with 3 home runs and 14 RBI in 49 games.
Following today’s moves, the Rangers remain at the 40-man limit on the club’s Major League roster.