Texas signed right-hander Joe Ross to a minor league contract as it deals with pitching injuries. The 33-year-old is coming off a difficult 2026 start with the Arizona Diamondbacks, including a 19.64 ERA over 3.2 innings, and now faces a fresh attempt to stabi
When the Texas Rangers looked at their pitching situation after their series against the Colorado Rockies, they didn’t look for a headline-ready fix. They looked for an arm they could build back—on a minor league deal.
Texas has signed right-hander Joe Ross to a minor league contract, according to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News. Ross last played this season for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The timing matters because Ross’s 2026 numbers with Arizona haven’t made a strong case for an immediate return to the big leagues. In three appearances. including the team’s Opening Day matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28—a 3-1 loss—Ross posted a 19.64 ERA. He struck out two batters in 3.2 innings pitched.
Arizona’s decision to send him down before cutting him loose is a reminder of how quickly the margin gets thin for pitchers. especially when early-season results arrive before adjustments can. Manager Torey Lovullo previously addressed Ross being designated for assignment. calling it an “unfortunate” part of baseball where teams “start to… get behind with some pitching” and then need available arms. He added that Joe “wasn’t, unfortunately, was not throwing the ball that well.”.
Ross, 33, is expected to begin this next chapter in the minor leagues even after earning time both as a starter and in the bullpen earlier in his career. For Texas, it’s a low-risk attempt to add depth while injuries shape the Rangers’ short-term plan.
Most of Ross’s time in the majors came with the Washington Nationals. where he played for the first six seasons of his career. After that, his path has swung from role to role. He made 25 appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, starting 10. Then in 2025 with the Philadelphia Phillies, his usage shifted again—becoming mostly a relief pitcher.
Now the Rangers will see whether the veteran can turn the page on a rocky 2026. He’s already had a three-appearance snapshot with Arizona. and even if it’s a small sample size. the results were enough for the Diamondbacks to move on. With Texas adding him amid pitching injuries. the question is straightforward: can Ross regain the consistency that kept him in the Nationals rotation. or will this become another stop in the search for the right form?.
What’s certain is that Texas wanted a pitcher who could give them innings and options, even if the start comes from the minors. Ross’s next outings with the Rangers’ organization will decide whether this deal is a brief depth move—or the beginning of a longer comeback trajectory.