The Rangers have claimed outfielder Rafael Ortega off waivers from the Rockies, according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish (on Twitter).
The 22-year-old Ortega made his big league debut with the Rockies in 2012, going 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a pair of walks in six trips to the plate. However, the Venezuelan native batted just .228/.315/.297 in 42 games at the Double-A level this season before his season ended in June. He entered the 2013 campaign ranked 15th among Rockies prospects, according to Baseball America, who called him a true center fielder with a plus, accurate arm and plus speed. BA noted that he needs to be careful not to fall in love with swinging for the fences after a home run, though he does have surprising pop for someone with a 5'11", 160-pound frame.
