A.J. Pierzynski passes physical, but holidays to delay announcement of deal with Rangers

Catcher A.J. Pierzynski passed his physical Friday, one of the final steps toward making his one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Rangers official.

But don't expect an announcement any time soon because of the holidays. MLB offices will be closed for Christmas, and the Rangers also need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

That became necessary after the Rangers claimed left-hander Jeff Beliveau off waivers from the Cubs. Beliveau, the Cubs' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2011, took the one vacancy on the 40-man roster.

-- Jeff Wilson