ARLINGTON -- When the Rangers added pitcher Edinson Volquez to the 40-man roster last week, it guaranteed him a $2 million Major League contract, plus incentives, for 2019.
Volquez originally agreed to a two-year Minor League contract with the Rangers on Feb. 16 while recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. He did not pitch at all this past season, but is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
The Rangers had to add Volquez to the Major League roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. That in turn converted his original contract into a Major League deal. The Rangers did not sign Volquez to a new contract this week.
The Rangers expect Volquez to compete for a spot in the rotation that currently consists only of left-hander Mike Minor. Left-hander Drew Smyly, who was acquired from the Cubs after the season, is also recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to compete for a spot in the rotation.
Volquez last pitched for the Marlins in 2017 when he went 4-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 17 starts. The 13-year veteran originally made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2005.