Scheppers signed a contract to play in Japan in 2018, Joey Hayden of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Scheppers spent the majority of the 2017 campaign at Triple-A Round Rock, posting an unremarkable 4.84 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 48.1 innings of work. He saw some brief action with the Rangers, though his struggles continued as he allowed three runs in four innings of work. Scheppers will now look to get his career back on track in the Japanese Pacific League in what will be his age 31 season.

Scheppers has decided to become a free agent, Brandon Warne of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Scheppers spent the vast majority of 2017 in Triple-A, but struggled to match the numbers he posted earlier in his career that earned him a promotion to the top level. He will attempt to improve his numbers by going the change of scenery route.

Scheppers was outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Scheppers was designated for assignment earlier in the week to clear room on the 40-man roster for Paolo Espino. After passing through waivers untouched, he'll head back to Round Rock where he'll continue to serve as organizational pitching depth. The 30-year-old owns a 5.05 ERA in 46.1 innings at Triple-A this season.

Scheppers was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Saturday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paulo Espino was brought in from Milwaukee and Scheppers was bumped to make room on the 40-man. A supplemental first-round pick in 2009, Scheppers was outstanding out of the bullpen in 2013 (1.88 ERA), but he was never the same after a failed attempt at transitioning to the rotation the following spring. He will now be subjected to waivers.

Scheppers was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Scheppers' return to the big leagues wasn't one to remember, as the right-hander served up three runs on five hits and three walks over four innings in his five appearances with the Rangers. With Tony Barnette (finger) cleared to return from the 10-day disabled list and rejoin the Rangers bullpen, Scheppers will bide his time at Triple-A until another opening with the big club arises.

Scheppers failed to record an out and gave up three runs on two hits and a walk to take the loss in relief Monday against the Indians.

EDGE Analysis

The Indians completed their comeback from a 9-2 deficit in the sixth inning and took their first lead of the game, in large part due to Scheppers' ineptitude. He allowed all three batters he faced to reach base before giving way to Alex Claudio, who was unable to put out Scheppers' fire. The implosion may not result in a demotion back to Triple-A Round Rock for Scheppers, but manager Jeff Banister may be more reluctant to use him in closely contested games.

Scheppers covered 1.2 scoreless innings in relief during Monday's 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays, giving up two hits and two walks and striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

It was Scheppers' first appearance with the Rangers since October 2016 after he was outrighted off the 40-man roster in April. The right-hander earned his way back to the big club after compiling a 4.64 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 21.1 innings with Triple-A Round Rock earlier this season, but it's not expected that he'll be in store for high-leverage work out of the Rangers bullpen. Manager Jeff Banister looks content to proceed with Keone Kela, Jose Leclerc and Alex Claudio as the primary setup options to closer Matt Bush for the time being.

Scheppers had his contract purchased from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Scheppers was cast off the 40-man in April while he was sidelined with an abdominal issue, although he's been able to make 16 appearances for the Rangers' affiliate since getting back to full health. Although he only possesses a 4.64 ERA and a 14:6 K:BB in 21.1 innings pitched, he'll head to the majors to provide bullpen depth nonetheless. Jared Hoying will head back to the minors to make room for him in Texas, while A.J. Griffin (oblique) was moved to the 60-day DL to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

Scheppers cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Scheppers has been rehabbing at Triple-A since beginning the season on the DL with an abdominal issue. It's unclear when he might return to the Rangers, and Saturday's move simply serves to remove him from the team's 40-man roster.

Scheppers (abdomen) has thrown 1.2 innings over two rehab appearances with Triple-A Round Rock, allowing just one hit and no runs.

EDGE Analysis

Things appear to be going smoothly as Scheppers acclimates to live action, though it's still unclear when the Rangers expect him back with the team. A return could be imminent if the right-hander continues to progress without concern.