Bartolo Colon Reportedly Released by Rangers; Texas Triple-A Contract Possible

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon was released by the Texas Rangers on Saturday, but his time with the organization might not be over, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.

He is reportedly still in communication with the team, which is hoping to re-sign him to play in Triple-A and provide depth for the pitching staff.

The 44-year-old is looking to play his 21st season in the majors in 2018.

He split last season with the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins but struggled to a 6.48 ERA in 28 starts.

The Rangers still signed him to a minor league contract in February with an invitation to spring training, and he has performed well during the exhibition schedule. He has posted a respectable 3.00 ERA in five starts (18 innings), including 10 strikeouts with just two walks.

Despite his advanced age, Colon continues to put off retirement. The veteran has won 240 games in his career, earning four All-Star selections and a Cy Young award.

As Ervin Santana explained this offseason, the Dominican is hoping to pass Dennis Martinez for the most wins in MLB history for a Latino pitcher. The Nicaraguan won 245 games from 1976-98.

"He just wants to win six more games and then he will retire," Santana said of Colon in January, per Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press.

Although time in the minor leagues won't directly help him reach that goal, he will still have a chance to return to the majors and add to his career total.

Meanwhile, Texas could go with Cole Hamels, Matt Moore, Doug Fister, Mike Minor and Martin Perez as the starting rotation to begin 2018.

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