Ludwick was released by the Rangers on Sunday, John Blake of the team's official website reports.

Ludwick found out earlier in the week that he wouldn't make the big-league club, and he apparently prefers to look for employment elsewhere. While unlikely to land on an Opening Day roster, the 36-year-old outfielder should draw some interest from other organizations in need of depth.

Ludwick will not make the Opening Day roster, and he is now considering his options, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Ludwick could look to catch on with another organization, but given that he's having a poor spring and hasn't been productive since 2012, the 36-year-old may just opt to open his season with Triple-A Round Rock. He owns an ugly .200/.188/.300 slash line through 30 at-bats in Cactus League play, and it's possible retirement is also on his radar.

Ludwick has just four hits in 21 at-bats this spring, with the left-field competition yet to be decided according to the team's web site.

Ludwick has seemingly fallen behind Jake Smolinski and Ryan Rua, but a hot week at the plate could alter things significantly.

Ludwick agreed to a minor league contract with the Rangers on Wednesday, John Blake of the team's official site reports.

The deal also includes a major league invite for Ludwick, so he'll have a shot to crack the big league roster as a reserve outfielder. The 36-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Reds, but was bought out after last season's .244/.308/.375 campaign. While he likely won't be able to reproduce his career-best 2012 season with 26 home runs and 80 RBI, he could provide useful depth for the Rangers.

The Reds have declined Ludwick's $9 million team option, Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports.

Ludwick was serviceable in 112 games in 2014, hitting .244 with nine homers but with the hefty price tag, it's not a total surprise that the Reds opted to buy him out. The 36-year-old may have to settle for being a bench player, but he'll land on his feet somewhere for the 2015 season.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers.

This is the third straight start that Ludwick will be sitting out as Jason Bourgeois gets the start in left field. Ludwick can no longer be counted on as a regular starter, as he has only played in half the games this month.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cardinals, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

Ludwick has made three straight starts in left field for the Reds, but will sit in favor of Yorman Rodriguez for the Sunday night contest. The 36-year-old is hitless in his last three games, and batting just .226 in September, so a day of rest was likely needed.

Ludwick is not in the Reds' lineup Monday, the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay reports.

It will be his third day off in the last five games, as Jason Bourgeois gets a rare start in left field. Ludwick isn't very appealing in fantasy even when he's playing every day, so the fact that the team is sitting him with some regularity down the stretch only further detracts from his value.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Friday against the Mets.

At this point, Ludwick is starting less than half the Reds' games (two of the last seven), and should be considered a part-time player by fantasy owners. Jason Bourgeois will start in left field Friday.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Thursday against the Orioles, MLB.com reports.

Thursday's absence will mark Ludwick's sixth in the team's last eight games. With the 36-year-old's contract set to expire after the season and the Reds all but out of it, the team will likely opt to continue evaluating younger talents in left field over the remainder over the final few weeks. Donald Lutz gets the nod Thursday.

Ludwick is out of the lineup again Thursday.

Ludwick will sit for a second straight day and for the fourth time in six games, with Skip Schumaker once again manning left in the finale against the Cubs. The 36-year-old Ludwick, who has hit just .190/.232/.365 this month, may play primarily against left-handed pitching over the final weeks of the season.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs.

With manager Bryan Price desiring to get another left-handed batter in the lineup against righty Jacob Turner, Ludwick will give way to Skip Schumaker in left field.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Saturday against the Braves.

Ludwick will sit for the second time in three days as Skip Schumaker starts in left and bats second against right-hander Ervin Santana. While Ludwick went 7-for-22 with two homers and two doubles on the team's recent road trip, he's still batting just .211/.246/.404 in August.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Thursday against the Braves.

Ludwick was one of the lone bright spots on the Reds' 1-6 road trip, notching seven hits, including two doubles and two homers, in 22 at-bats. However, he'll find himself on the bench for the first game of the homestand, sitting in favor of Skip Schumaker in left field.

Ludwick is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader.

Ludwick has made three straight starts for the Reds in left field, but will give way to Chris Heisey in Sunday afternoon. It seems likely Ludwick will be back in action for the night cap, especially with southpaw Yohan Flande scheduled to take the hill for the Rockies in Game 2.

Ludwick is in the lineup Wednesday after Jay Bruce was scratched with an illness.

Ludwick will start in left field and bat sixth for the Reds on Wednesday. The unscheduled start will be only his fourth start in the past seven games. His playing time will likely continue in this manner unless he starts hitting.

Ludwick is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.

Ludwick will sit out for the second straight day and for the third time in the last five games. Expect Ludwick's playing time to remain sporadic unless he gets hot with the bat.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Indians.

Ludwick recorded two hits Tuesday and scored a run, but will take the day off Wednesday for what looks to be the norm now in the Reds' outfield. Chris Heisey will start in left field and bat sixth in his place.

Ludwick is out of the lineup Monday against the Indians.

Ludwick has logged three doubles over his recent four-game hitting streak, but will take a seat for the Sunday night contest. Skip Schumaker will take over in left field, while Ramon Santiago mans the keystone. Looking ahead, Ludwick should start in left field on most days for the Reds, but the 36-year-old will likely continue to receive routine maintenance days down the stretch.

Ludwick is out of the Reds' lineup Saturday against the Marlins, Mark Sheldo of MLB.com reports.

Ludwick smacked a two-run double to put the Reds ahead for good Friday, but he'll head back to the bench Saturday as Skip Schumaker mans left against right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. The 36-year-old Ludwick should continue to see at least semi-regular time, but he'll likely move back to the short end of a platoon when Brandon Phillips (thumb) returns.