Rangers let Nippert go, offer Hamilton, Wilson
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Right-hander Dustin Nippert is a free agent after the Texas Rangers declined to offer him a contract for next season.
The American League champions did make offers to five other arbitration-eligible players Thursday, including AL MVP Josh Hamilton and left-handed starter C.J. Wilson. The others were outfielders Nelson Cruz and David Murphy, and right-handed reliever Darren O'Day.
Nippert was 4-5 with a 4.29 ERA in 38 games (two starts). He was on the disabled list from July 20 to Sept. 2 after getting struck on his head by a liner on July 19 at Detroit.
Right-hander Frank Francisco, who could have opted to become a free agent, accepted the Rangers arbitration offer Tuesday. Right-hander Mark Lowe already has agreed to a 2011 contract.
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