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 grand opportunity to showcase his skills before he turns 30. In 2017, he was drafted in the 21st round. Robert’s college career with the Auburn Tigers was in the role of a utility player. He has also spent multiple seasons, including this season, in Triple-A. Despite some struggles in the first two seasons in the minors, he has turned things around this season. Robert also spent time with the Rangers in spring training this season and got a non-roster invite.
He has sported a 2.35 ERA across about 30 innings of relief pitching. He has also successfully struck out batters at a rate of more than 35%. His walk rate has also been impressive against opponents, as he has only walked 6.1% of them. Comparing his numbers from last season (12% walk rate and 26.4% strikeout rate), he has settled down nicely. His success has inevitably earned him a promotion to the majors. The 2023 World Series champs are continuing to make a playoff push, and if Robert can assist in the bullpen, it would do them wonders.
Kelly’s DFA
With Robert getting the nod, the Rangers had to take someone off the roster, and Kelly was chosen. The former Milwaukee Brewers farmhand is 24 years old and showcased strong potential with his fastball that reaches high into the 90s. Kelly found a new home when he was traded to the Rangers in 2022. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to figure things out and help the Rangers this season, hence his designation. He’s recorded a 9.35 ERA in Round Rock and Frisco this season.
He’s also showcased struggles with walks in Triple-A this season. He has spent time in Double-A due to his stumbles in Triple-A but hasn’t revamped himself. This left the Rangers no choice but to let him go. It’s a challenging year for Kelly, as he put up better numbers in Double-A last season, sporting a much lower ERA of 1.95. The Rangers must decide if they will trade or place him on waivers. With his past success, his being placed on waivers and finding a new home is a viable option for him. The lefty is also 6′ 5” in height, which could draw in some interest from other teams. Today’s roster moves could start the wheels in motion for what is expected to be a pivotal trade deadline for Texas.
Photo Credit: © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
