The Rangers announced this morning that they have designated right-hander Shaun Anderson for assignment. To fill his spot, they have selected right-hander Gerson Garabito from the minors, who is set to make his major league debut starting today’s game against the Twins.
Anderson joined the Rangers’ roster earlier this month after signing a minor league deal in April. Originally a third-round pick by the Red Sox in the 2016 draft, Anderson debuted in the majors with San Francisco in 2019, posting a 5.44 ERA and 4.77 FIP in 96 innings over 28 appearances (16 starts). Since then, his major league opportunities have been limited, making only 35 appearances across five teams from 2020 to 2022 with a 6.85 ERA and 5.57 FIP.
Seeking a fresh start, Anderson signed with the KIA Tigers in the Korea Baseball Organization in 2023 and found moderate success as a starter, recording a 3.76 ERA in 14 games. He returned to the U.S. later that year on a minor league deal with the Phillies, but struggled, giving up 28 runs (including 11 homers) in 11 Triple-A starts.
Despite these challenges, the Rangers signed Anderson to a minor league deal in April. He made two appearances for the Rangers, allowing two runs on six hits and a walk, striking out three over 3 1/3 innings for a 5.40 ERA and 2.23 FIP. The Rangers now have seven days to trade Anderson or pass him through waivers. If he clears waivers, he can opt for free agency since he has been outrighted before.
Taking Anderson’s roster spot is Gerson Garabito, a 28-year-old right-hander who started his professional career with the Royals in 2013. After progressing through the Royals’ minor league system, he became a free agent and joined the Giants, posting a 4.71 ERA in Triple-A in 2021. Garabito then pitched in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic over the next three years, achieving a 2.86 ERA in 69 1/3 innings.
Garabito returned to the U.S. by signing a minor league deal with the Rangers before the 2024 season. He has impressed with a 2.05 ERA and a 30.8% strikeout rate in 30 2/3 innings across Double- and Triple-A. The Rangers have given Garabito his first major league opportunity, which will come against Minnesota today as the team deals with injuries to key rotation members Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray.
