Rangers taking chance on Gomez

Carlos Gomez, whom the Astros released Friday, signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on Saturday.

Gomez is expected to join Class AAA Round Rock on Sunday. The Rangers, whose need for an outfielder developed when Shin-Soo Choo suffered a fractured left forearm when hit by a pitch, are currently in Tampa before a scheduled off day Monday and a two-game series at Cincinnati starting Tuesday.

Gomez could be activated Thursday for the start of Texas’ next homestand.

Gomez, 30, never became the productive star he was in Milwaukee after the Astros made him the centerpiece of a trade-deadline deal with the Brewers last season. The two-time All-Star was one of the least productive players in the major leagues this season, hitting .210 with five home runs and a .594 OPS. He struck out 100 times in 295 at-bats.

The Rangers, who have the best record in the American League, are 11-2 against the Astros this season. The teams meet again for a threegame series in Arlington on Sept. 2-4. They finish their season series with a four-game set Sept. 12-14 at Minute Maid Park.