Rangers designate veteran pitcher Ian Kennedy for assignment

By JANIE McCAULEY
AP Baseball Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Right-hander Ian Kennedy has been designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers after a tough start to his 17th season in the big leagues.

Texas recalled left-hander John King from Triple-A Round Rock, clearing roster room with Kennedy’s departure before Thursday’s opener of a four-game series at Oakland.

The 38-year-old Kennedy was 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA, surrendering eight earned runs and 10 total over 10 innings and 11 appearances. He made the team for opening day as a non-roster invitee for the second time, also doing so in 2021.

Manager Bruce Bochy said he spoke with Kennedy by phone on the way to the ballpark after the pitcher heard from Rangers general manager Chris Young.

“I just told him how much I appreciated being with him, working with him, getting to know him,” Bochy said. “Great teammate. It was more the fit, what we needed here, innings, flexibility, those type of things. But he was a pro, let me tell you, he was good with these guys, great teammate, so we’ll see what happens here.”

If Kennedy isn’t claimed on waivers or traded over the next seven days he could go to the minor leagues or be released.

King pitched for the Rangers in each of the past three seasons, including making the opening-day roster in 2022 among his three big league stints last year. He was 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA and a save over nine relief outings at Triple-A.

The Rangers lead the AL West and their 22-14 start is the club’s best over the first 36 games since 2013.

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