ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers Tuesday sought permission to give John Ellis his unconditional release from the club, although the catcher-first baseman will remain with the Ranger organization in the minor leagues and as a scout.
Ellis, who began his career with the Yankees in 1969, has a .262 lifetime batting average, but hit only .138 in 23 games with the Rangers last year.
Eddie Robinson, executive vice president for baseball operations, said the 33-year-old Ellis will remain with the Rangers as an advance major league scout and also will take an assignment in the minor league system.
Ellis was traded to the Rangers from Cleveland for catcher Ron Pruitt and pitcher Stan Thomas in 1975.
Robinson also announced shortstop Nelson Norman has been designated for assignment and that pitcher Dan Boytano has been sent to the Rangers minor league camp at Plant City, Fla., for further assignment.
