ARLINGTON, Texas, April 2 (UPI) -- Veteran outfielder Andruw Jones has survived the final spring training cut by the Texas Rangers and will be a part of their Opening Day roster.
The Rangers said on their Web site that they needed a right-handed designated hitter in their lineup so Frank Catalanotto, a left-handed batter, was released.
Jones had been strongly recommended by hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and won over Manager Ron Washington.
Jones struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008 after signing a big contract, batting just .158 with three home runs and 14 runs batted in in 209 at-bats. Jones is a career .259 hitter over 13 major-league seasons, the first 12 of which were with Atlanta.
The Rangers said they tried to trade Catalanotto but were unsuccessful despite his .317 batting average this spring.
"Frank has been nothing but a professional," General Manager Jon Daniels said after a meeting with Catalanotto on Wednesday. "I really believe he could help a club looking for a left handed hitter. He is nothing but a class act."
