The Rays announced Friday that they’ve granted infielder/outfielder Charlie Culberson his release. He’s now a free agent. Culberson had an out clause in his contract this weekend and had likely been informed he would not make the club.
It’s been a tough spring for the veteran utilityman, as Culberson has gone just 4-for-24 without an extra base hit. He’s walked three times but also fanned in nine of his 28 plate appearances. Overall, he’s hitting .167/.286/.167 in this spring’s tiny sample of work.
Culberson, 34 in a few weeks, has spent the past two seasons with the Rangers, hitting a combined .246/.292/.373 in 395 trips to the plate. He’s the quintessential “jack of all trades, master of none,” having appeared at every position on the diamond other than center field and catcher over the course of a decade-long career in the Majors. That includes 7 1/3 innings on the mound, during which time he’s rather shockingly allowed just one earned run (albeit with three walks and only one strikeout).
While a career .248/.293/.386 batting line isn’t much to look at, Culberson has more impressive platoon splits. Through 582 plate appearances versus southpaws, he’s a .285/.313/.431 hitter with 11 homers, 37 doubles and five triples.
I wonder if Charlie ends up back in Texas. He was very popular amongst the Rangers fanbase.
Not a chance. He was a good guy, but there are too many young guys that need to get playing time with other young guys behind them. Duran and Smith are the utility in Texas now.
He was never popular with this Ranger fan or the others I know. We always thought the only reason he was here was because of Woodward.
Oh no. Some Giant fans will be clamoring for him. Not me. Giants have decent depth at third base as it is.
He’d get a huge welcome at Dodger Stadium.
Bring Charlie back to Atlanta, put the number 7 on him and run him out to SS. It will look like Dansby never left. Lol.
Rather have him than Adrianza.
Charlie has a reputation as a terrific clubhouse presence.
Braves please sign this man and send Adrianza to the shadow realm.
Love Charlie, but Adrianza is better at this point in their careers.
To Oakland. Please!
Mets could use a relief pitcher.
With DMo out, wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a short cup of coffee with the M’s.
Back to the Dodgers perhaps?
After a down year last season and a horrible spring training, Charlie will most likely need to settle for a minor league deal for now if he wants to continue to play. The Dodgers do make some sense but he’ll need to get his bat right in the minors before he makes any major league roster.