Gomber signs minor-league contract with Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Veteran left-hander Austin Gomber has signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers that includes an invitation to major-league spring training.

The Rangers announced Gomber's deal on Thursday while also extending spring training invites to nine players from within the organization, including their top prospect, 19-year-old infielder Sebastian Walcott.

Gomber missed the first 2 1/2 months last season after left shoulder soreness in spring training, then went 0-7 with a 7.49 ERA in 12 starts for Colorado after his return in mid-June until being released in late August. The 32-year-old lefty is 35-47 with a 5.08 ERA in 168 career games (124 starts) over seven major-league seasons, two with St. Louis and the last five with the Rockies.

Colorado acquired Gomber in the six-player trade before the start of spring training in 2021 that sent third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals. Gomber was a fourth-round draft pick by St. Louis out of Florida Atlantic in 2014.

Walcott will be in his second consecutive big-league spring training as a non-roster invitee. He hit .255 with 13 home runs, 59 RBIs, 70 walks and 32 stolen bases in 124 games for Double-A Frisco last season.

The first workout for Rangers pitchers and catchers is Feb. 10 in Surprise, Arizona. The first full-squad workout in Feb. 15.

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