Texas Rangers' roster shuffle: Robbie Grossman claimed, Dane Dunning optioned

Travis Jankowski was not claimed by another team and was in the Texas Rangers’ starting lineup Saturday night.

ARLINGTON — The happiest person in the Texas Rangers’ clubhouse Saturday afternoon was outfielder Travis Jankowski. No, he didn’t get claimed by a playoff contender, and yes, he has to finish the season with a non-contender.

But that’s what he signed up for after the Rangers provided him with the best season of his career in 2023, and he wasn’t seeking greener pastures over the final month of the season just because the Rangers’ are unlikely to defend their World Series title.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy,” Jankowski said.

Robbie Grossman, though, was claimed by the Royals, ending his Rangers tenure and triggering a series of roster moves announced Saturday an hour before first pitch.

The biggest is that right-hander Dane Dunning was optioned to Triple A Round Rock. The Rangers Pitcher of the Year in 2023 allowed five runs Friday night in relief and continues to be plagued by a decline in velocity and stuff during a season in which he has had multiple stints on the injured list.

Right-hander Chase Anderson took Dunning’s spot on the active roster and Grossman’s 40-man spot. He opened the season with the Red Sox and pitching was at Round Rock, and he becomes a candidate to start Sunday’s game or log multiple relief innings.

Infielder Justin Foscue took Grossman’s spot on the active roster and will get his fair share of at-bats, manager Bruce Bochy said. Foscue comes to the Rangers on a tear at Round Rock, where he leads the team in OPS and was batting .315 with six home runs this month.

“I think it’s important he gets some at-bats here so we can get a good feel of where he’s at,” Bochy said. “You want to take advantage of it.”

Foscue will likely get most of his at-bats at designated hitter and first base, Bochy said, but he could also see time at second base.

Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com