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 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 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.

Paulo Espino was brought in from Milwaukee and Scheppers was bumped to make room on the 40-man roster. 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.