Kirkman was released by the Rangers on Tuesday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Kirkman was competing with fellow lefty Alex Claudio for a role in the bullpen, so Claudio now has much-improved odds to crack the Opening Day roster. Kirkman, on the other hand, will likely try to catch on with a new organization as soon as he can, but now figures to open the season in the minors.