The Texas Rangers have called up reliever Daniel Robert and sent down Grant Anderson to Triple-A Round Rock. The Rangers will face the Los Angeles Angels this evening, and Robert will be available to pitch in the pen. In addition, the Rangers DFA’d left-handed pitcher Antoine Kelly to make room on the 40-man roster. Welcome to the Show, D-Bob! The Rangers announced that the club selected Daniel Robert’s contract on Monday. Robert will be available out of the Texas bullpen tonight as the Rangers face the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. 📰: https://t.co/xopVjFB54B pic.twitter.com/zxT6JvK5C9 — Round Rock Express (@RRExpress) July 8, 2024
Daniel Robert Called Up To Rangers Roster
A Closer Look at Robert
The 29-year-old reliever is getting his big chance to showcase his skills before turning 30. Drafted in the 21st round in 2017, Robert had a college career with the Auburn Tigers as a utility player. He has spent several seasons, including this one, in Triple-A. Despite some struggles in his first two seasons in the minors, he has turned things around this year. Robert also spent time with the Rangers during spring training this season and received a non-roster invite.
He has posted a 2.35 ERA over approximately 30 innings of relief pitching, with a strikeout rate of over 35%. His walk rate has been impressive as well, with only 6.1% of batters reaching base on balls. Compared to last season, when his walk rate was 12% and his strikeout rate was 26.4%, he has shown significant improvement. His success has earned him a promotion to the majors. The 2023 World Series champions are continuing their playoff push, and if Robert can contribute effectively in the bullpen, it would be a huge asset for the team.
Kelly’s DFA
With Robert getting the nod, the Rangers had to remove someone from the roster, and Kelly was chosen. The former Milwaukee Brewers farmhand is 24 years old and has shown strong potential with his fastball reaching the high 90s. Kelly found a new home when he was traded to the Rangers in 2022. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to find his stride and help the Rangers this season, leading to his designation. He’s posted a 9.35 ERA in Round Rock and Frisco this season.
Kelly has also struggled with walks in Triple-A this season. He has spent time in Double-A due to his difficulties in Triple-A but hasn’t managed to regain his form. This left the Rangers with no choice but to let him go. It’s been a challenging year for Kelly, especially considering he put up much better numbers in Double-A last season, with a significantly lower ERA of 1.95. The Rangers must now decide whether to trade him or place him on waivers. Given his past success, he could find a new home if placed on waivers. Standing at 6′ 5″, Kelly’s physical presence could also attract interest from other teams. Today’s roster moves could initiate significant changes as the Texas trade deadline approaches.