Rangers give Heilman a shot, make multiple roster moves

Apr 4, 2012 - 6:03 PM Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - The Texas Rangers signed journeyman hurler Aaron Heilman to a minor league contract on Wednesday, amidst a flurry of moves to set their Opening Day Roster.

Heilman, who was immediately sent to Triple-A Round Rock, went 4-1 with a 6.88 earned run average in 32 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. The 33-year-old right-hander holds a career mark of 35-46 with a 4.40 ERA in 477 games (25 starts) for the Mets, Cubs and D-Backs since 2003.

In addition, the Rangers placed pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 30, with a low back muscle strain.

The 36-year-old native of Osaka, Japan was 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 39 games for Texas in 2011, his first North American campaign.

Finalizing the transactions, the Rangers sent outfielder Julio Borbon, infielder Luis Hernandez and pitcher Neal Cotts to Round Rock, purchased the contracts of pitcher Robbie Ross and infielder Alberto Gonzalez from Round Rock, and designated pitcher Cody Eppley for assignment.

The two-time defending American League champions open up their 2012 slate on Friday by hosting the Chicago White Sox.