Rangers finalize Opening Day roster

Published Apr. 4, 2012 12:47 p.m. ET

foxsports

FRISCO, Texas -- The Texas Rangers finalized their Opening Day roster Wednesday by officially purchasing the contract of left-hander Robbie Ross and utility infielder Alberto Gonzalez.

To clear room on the 40-man roster, the club has designated right-hander Cody Eppley for assignment.

Texas also put right-hander Yoshinori Tateyama on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back muscle strain. The move is retroactive to March 30.

Left-hander Neal Cotts, who was battling with Ross for the lefty bullpen spot, has been assigned to Round Rock where he will open the season on the disabled list.

Texas also added some more pitching depth, signing veteran right-hander Aaron Heilman to a minor-league deal. Heilman, 33, was in camp with the Seattle Mariners this spring. He's 35-46 in nine years in the majors.

"I'm very pleased with what we're going to start the season with," Texas manager Ron Washington said.

Cruz, Adams OK

Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz, who left Tuesday's game after getting hit by a pitch on his left elbow, won't play in Wednesday's game against Frisco. Washington said he expects Cruz, who had x-rays that were negative, to be ready for Friday's opener.

Right-hander Mike Adams should be fine for Friday too. Adams was hit in the leg by a liner Tuesday. He was not scheduled to pitch against Frisco.