Overview
- Manager Skip Schumaker informed the 24-year-old during a fifth-inning mound visit Monday, with the infield gathered as Baumler smiled and then struck out the next batter.
- Baumler earned the spot by allowing no earned runs over 9 1/3 spring innings with 10 strikeouts and two walks across eight Cactus League outings.
- Because he is a Rule 5 pick acquired from Pittsburgh after Baltimore left him unprotected, the Rangers must keep him on the major-league roster or injured list all season or offer him back to the Orioles.
- The Iowa native’s path included Tommy John surgery and limited minor-league innings, and he had not pitched above Double-A before this spring.
- Carrying a Rule 5 reliever limits option flexibility, so Texas is expected to manage his workload and bullpen moves closely as widely shared video of the in-game announcement drew national coverage.