The Rangers have released Brad Hawpe from Double-A Frisco at the veteran's request, reports Danny Knobler of CBS Sports (via Twitter). Hawpe signed a minor league deal with Texas in the offseason, was released by the team in late March and then re-signed a week later to another minor league contract. According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link), Hawpe told the Rangers "he's not close to being able to help big-league team."
Hawpe underwent Tommy John surgery on his throwing shoulder last June after posting a .231/.301/.344 line in 216 plate appearances for the Padres. He has played in 16 games in the outfield for Frisco (plus 19 as a DH), and has a .260/.382/.382 line in 152 PAs with the Double-A affiliate. Hawpe's health and his comments about his current ability level are a red flag but he will still likely get some looks from teams in need of a left-handed bat.
Gumby65
Best of luck to one of the better Dodger killer’s of all time—hated seeing him come to Dodger Stadium 🙂
Gurvir Singh Nijjar
Would be nice to see him in the Blue Jays lineup.
HerbertAnchovy
The Blue Jays really would’ve have anywhere to play him, and they have better options- anyone, really.
Thizzie
I thought the same when Lind went down but he never got healthy
Michael Krimmer
Tommy John on his shoulder? Uh?
Thizzie
I saw him at Double A this year and he started strong, around .350 for awhile but tumbled into a 4 for 40 slump that dropped him to .260 then the trip to the DL. He probably tried to rush back, re-injured himself and played hurt. Less than a year off Tommy John was optimistic.
jed_hoyer
that’s why they released him. they just realized he needs tommy john surgury on his throwing arm as well.
Thizzie
he already had TJ on elbow the post isnt clear on the surgery but says it was at his request
Michael Krimmer
I was just pointing out that Tommy John is a elbow surgery, not a shoulder surgery. So really the post is only clear that he has been release and had some sort of surgery before.