Cole

Winn

Winn complained of shoulder soreness after being sent down to Triple-A last week, causing the Rangers to void his option and put him on the major league IL. He’ll miss at least two months now.

Winn was sent down after pitching on back-to-back days June 16-17 and giving up four runs in three innings of work. He complained of the shoulder issue after reporting to Triple-A, and now he’ll collect major league service time while working his way back.

Winn threw two innings Monday in the lopsided loss to the Mets and gave up a pair of runs. The former top prospect will return to Triple-A with Yerry Rodriguez called up to provide a fresh arm.

Winn is up to help provide some innings for the Rangers staff. The 24-year-old gets the promotion, and Jesus Tinoco was designated for assignment to make room for Winn on the active roster.

Winn was shipped back to the minors earlier this week by the Rangers with Dane Dunning returning from the injured list. The 24-year-old righty struggled in 11 relief appearances after being called up back in mid-April.

Winn will take the roster spot of Cody Bradford with Bradford heading to the injured list with back soreness. Winn has made four appearances for Round Rock in 2024 with a 7.11 ERA and 9/1 K/BB. A former top prospect, Winn has struggled to find any consistent success the last few years, and it’s unlikely he pitches in a role that offers fantasy relevance while he’s with the club.

There were reports that the Rangers considered opening the season with three catchers on the active roster but ultimately decided against it. While Huff isn’t known for his defensive prowess, he can still swing it, hitting .298/.399/.548 with 17 homers across 321 plate appearances at Triple-A Round Rock. He’ll provide depth at catcher in the upper levels of the Rangers’ minor league system.

Carter made some serious noise this spring in Rangers camp and was generating some buzz as a potential Opening Day roster candidate. The 20-year-old former second-round selection might have a shot at making his big league debut this season, if everything breaks right.

Winn was the Rangers’ first-round selection in the 2018 MLB Draft and is considered a top-100 prospect. The 22-year-old right-hander compiled a lackluster 6.51 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 123/87 K/BB ratio across 121 1/3 innings (28 starts) last year in the hitter-friendly Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

Winn, 22, allowed just three hits and two walks in the contest. The latter number is significant, as command has been an issue all year for the right-hander as seen in 41 walks over 64 2/3 innings in 14 starts. If he can throw enough strikes, Winn has a chance to be an excellent fantasy option, as there are four pitches that flash plus at his disposal including a mid-to-high 90 mph fastball. There’s a chance Winn could debut in 2022, and he could be a streaming option against weaker lineups.