Billy McKinney was once again sent down.
Rangers Announce News on Former Yankees Bust After Padres Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Texas Rangers have been one of the more disappointing teams in baseball, thanks in large part to Joc Pederson's dramatic and unpredictable slide after his two-year, $37 million contract signing.
Because of Pederson, and a general offensive malaise for the Rangers, who rank 25th in baseball in runs scored and 27th in team OPS, they have had to take a flier on players who might not otherwise get a second chance.
One of those players was outfielder Billy McKinney, who had a relatively long tenure with the Yankees in their disappointing 2023 season.
The Rangers announced they have outrighted McKinney once again to Triple-A after two games up in the bigs.
The Rangers signed McKinney to a minor-league contract on May 27, immediately assigning him to Triple-A Round Rock.
After hitting six home runs in 57 games down on the farm, McKinney was called up on July 1 after Evan Carter hit the bereavement list.
The 30-year-old McKinney, who could have earned a lengthier stay with a good stint, went 1-for-7 with a run scored in two games for Texas.
McKinney played in just 10 MLB games in 2024, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dallas native has posted strong numbers in the minor leagues, including an .866 OPS and .299/.406/.460 slash in 43 games for Triple-A Indianapolis last year, but it just hasn't translated to the big leagues.
McKinney saw his playing time for the Yankees expand in 2023 after Aaron Judge's lengthy injury suffered in June.
McKinney may choose to become a free agent, or continue getting reps down in Round Rock.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball