The Rangers traded Matt Treanor Monday to the Royals for cash considerations and inched closer to a final roster with a handful of pitching decisions. The trade of Treanor means that the Rangers are likely to open the season with a three-man bench and that Mike Napoli will be one of just two catchers on the roster.
Alexi Ogando will reportedly be the club’s fifth starter early in the season, while Tommy Hunter and Brandon Webb recover from injuries. With Ogando in the rotation, the Rangers will try to win with quantity in the bullpen. The move to eight relievers allows the club to keep Rule 5 draft pick Mason Tobin without taking one of the seven standard spots. Mark Lowe will also reportedly make the staff, leaving Pedro Strop and Brett Tomko to fight for the last spot. Both have been impressive in camp, and either can be contractually retained even with an assignment to to triple-a Round Rock.