Rangers Face Roster Decision on Reliever Josh Sborz

Sborz's minor league contract contains an assignment clause that goes into effect soon.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:51am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp planes and angles representing the nuances of roster decisions in the sport.A cubist interpretation of a relief pitcher's delivery captures the complex dynamics of roster management in professional baseball.Round Rock Today

The Texas Rangers may need to make a roster decision on reliever Josh Sborz, who has a minor league contract with an assignment clause that goes into effect tomorrow. If another team is willing to carry Sborz on their MLB roster, the Rangers would either need to call him up themselves or let him go. Sborz has spent the past six seasons in the Rangers organization and has had a strong start to the season at Triple-A Round Rock.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the challenges teams face in managing their roster depth, especially with players on minor league contracts who have contractual clauses that can force the team's hand. The Rangers will need to weigh the value Sborz could provide to their bullpen against the roster flexibility they may need to maintain.

The details

Sborz, a 32-year-old reliever, was non-tendered by the Rangers at the end of the 2025 season after missing the entire year rehabbing from shoulder surgery. The Rangers brought him back on a minor league contract this offseason. Sborz has been impressive in Triple-A so far, posting a 1.29 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 7 innings. His fastball has been in the 94-95 mph range. If another team claims Sborz, the Rangers would need to either add him to their MLB roster or let him go.

  • Sborz's assignment clause goes into effect tomorrow, April 16, 2026.

The players

Josh Sborz

A 32-year-old reliever who has spent the past six seasons in the Texas Rangers organization. He missed the 2025 season rehabbing from shoulder surgery.

Luis Curvelo

A Rangers pitcher who exited tonight's game against the A's with an apparent arm injury.

Cody Freeman

A Rangers player who is beginning baseball activities after suffering a lower back injury at the start of camp.

Cody Bradford

A Rangers pitcher who is working back from elbow surgery and recently made a Triple-A rehab start but encountered some soreness.

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What they’re saying

“If no other team is willing to carve out a bullpen spot for Sborz, he'll remain in Triple-A with Texas. That'd be the easiest outcome for the Rangers. If another club expresses interest and they don't want to lose him, they'd need to create active and 40-man roster space.”

— Evan Grant, Reporter, The Dallas Morning News

What’s next

The Rangers will need to decide by tomorrow whether to call up Sborz to their MLB roster, let him go to another team, or keep him in Triple-A.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges teams face in managing their roster depth, especially with players on minor league contracts who have contractual clauses that can force the team's hand. The Rangers will need to weigh the value Sborz could provide to their bullpen against the roster flexibility they may need to maintain.