:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24075829/153119838.0.jpg)
The Texas Rangers have claimed outfielder Rafael Ortega off waivers from the Colorado Rockies, a source has confirmed to MLB Daily Dish. Ortega will join the Rangers' 40-man roster, which now is at 39 players.
Ortega, 22, is a 5'11", 160-pound outfielder who spent his 2013 season with Double-A Tulsa. In just 42 games on the season, Ortega hit .228 with 1 HR and 10 RBI, in what is the worst statistical season of his minor league career. In six seasons in the Rockies' minor league system, he his a lifetime .298 hitter with 26 HR, 231 RBI and 156 stolen bases.
Ortega made a two-game cameo in the big leagues at the end of the 2012 season, notching two hits in six at-bats and stealing a base. Before last season, he was widely considered a fringe prospect in the Rockies' system, and was ranked as the team's ninth best prospect by SB Nation's Purple Row last winter. Baseball America had Ortega as Colorado's 15th best prospect at that time, a year after ranking him 21st.
Ortega is the second Rockie to be claimed off waivers by the Rangers this offseason, joining pitcher Edwar Cabrera.
Follow @mlbdailydishFollow @SBNationMLB
