The Texas Rangers lost four prospects during the Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday, most notably Justin Slaten who selected by the New York Mets in the Major League phase of the draft.
Slaten was then traded to the Boston Red Sox for a left-handed pitcher Ryan Ammons.
Slaten was drafted by the Rangers in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of New Mexico. Because he had been in the minors for four seasons and because the Rangers had not played him on their 40-man roster, he was eligible for selection.
Slaten, a right-hander, spent last season with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders and the Triple-A Round Rock Express, finishing a combined 5-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 40 games (one start). The 40 appearances are a career high.
He had nine holds and two saves in four opportunities. He struck out 86 strikeouts and 20 walks in 59 2/3 innings.
For his minor league career with the Rangers he went 10-19 with a 5.31 ERA in 97 appearances. He struck out 204 and walked 106.
In the minor league phase the Rangers lost three players — pitcher Nick Starr (Detroit Tigers, first round), shortstop Miguel Villarroel (St. Louis Cardinals, second round) and pitcher John Matthews (Arizona Diamondbacks, third round).
The Rangers did not select any players in the minor-league phase, which is for players not protected on a big league or Triple-A roster.
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