SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers have released veteran pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, clearing the way for right-hander A.J. Griffin to be the fifth starter.
Right-handers Nick Martinez and Phil Klein and left-hander Cesar Ramos are still in camp. But Griffin, in camp on a Minor League contract, is starting for the Rangers on Tuesday against the White Sox. That is the slot for the fifth member of the Rangers rotation between Derek Holland and Opening Day starter Cole Hamels.
Manager Jeff Banister confirmed the Rangers' most likely roster configuration on Opening Day is to have four starters and eight relievers on the pitching staff with a four-man bench behind the nine starting position players.