Major League Baseball

Rangers claim Rosales off waivers from Oakland

Published Aug. 3, 2013 2:07 a.m. ET

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Adam Rosales felt a little weird walking into the visitor's clubhouse at the Oakland Coliseum for the first time Friday. He felt even stranger seeing a new No. 9 Texas Rangers jersey with his name hanging in a locker.

In just a few short steps down a familiar hallway, Rosales went from one AL West contender to another.

The Rangers claimed Rosales off waivers from the A's before opening a three-game series at Oakland on Friday night. The A's designated the utility infielder for assignment for the second time in a month Wednesday to clear a spot on the 25-man roster for infielder Alberto Callaspo, who was acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.

''I am surprised. I was surprised. When (A's assistant general manager) Dave Forst told me what the news was, I was really shocked but excited at the same time,'' Rosales said. ''Obviously bittersweet. I was with the A's for four years. Feel like I grew up a lot with them. But it's great. I'm ready for this new chapter in my baseball life.''

Texas optioned outfielder Engel Beltre to Triple-A Round Rock to make room for Rosales. Beltre, who is batting .300 in 13 games this season, said he enjoyed his time with the Rangers and expects to get another opportunity again soon.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Beltre needs to be in the lineup every day and there's just not a spot for him in the outfield now. With Rosales, Washington has the option of plugging in a player who can field every infield position.

''He gives us some versatility,'' Washington said. ''Now I might be able to pinch-run for some guys that I wouldn't do normally because I didn't have the backup that I needed. He gives us some backup.''

Rosales was selected from Triple-A Sacramento on July 24 for his second stint with the A's this year, going 0 for 5 with two walks in two starts at shortstop. He batted .193 with four home runs and eight RBIs in 50 games with Oakland this season, but he's received high praise for his defense by A's manager Bob Melvin, who had hoped his team would be able to re-sign Rosales if he cleared waivers.

Melvin said he called the utility man to thank him and wish him well.

''It felt a little weird,'' said Melvin, who added that the A's would change their baserunning signs with Rosales on the Rangers this weekend. ''We'd probably it rather be in a different uniform, maybe in the National League somewhere that we don't play. Everybody's pretty fond of Rosey, and the fact that he's back in the big leagues is good for him, definitely.''

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