The Texas Rangers were forced into a tough decision today. With Ronald Guzman due to come back from the IL, (Injured list) a roster move was going to be made. There was a lot of speculation on who would be removed.
The most obvious choice was Logan Forsythe or Danny Santana. Both were minor league signings this winter. They were spring training invites. Forsythe made the team out of Arizona and Santana started the year in Nashville. He was called up after Rougned Odor went to the IL with knee pain. If one of them were the choice, there was the risk of losing the player. With no options remaining they would have to be designated for assignment. Exposing them to waivers meant other teams could claim them. Both were not likely to clear waivers. Especially Danny Santana who is having his best year since he was rookie in 2014.
The second thought was possibly going with a seven-man bullpen. The most likely casualty in that situation was Jeanmar Gomez. He has been horrible and has only pitched once in over 10 days. But exposing the bullpen like that wasn’t an optimal choice. Especially with a rotation that only has two starters that consistently go over 5 innings.
The third option was to go with Odor or Delino Deshields. Both have struggled and both have remaining options. It was not going to be Odor. Although he has struggled, he is paid over $7 million and is the best second baseman on the team. Deshields was the best center fielder on the roster, but the drop off wasn’t as obvious. He was also a lot less expensive. It doesn’t help that Hunter Pence needs to be in the lineup every day.
Evan Grant tweeted Jon Daniels thoughts…
The plan is simple. Delino will get everyday at bats in AAA. But there is an underlying issue that is clear. This team is trying to win now. They are one game out of the second wildcard spot. They also have their potential gold glove first baseman returning. This lineup is getting better. If the pitching can work itself out, the Rangers might be the surprise team to watch. Plus they can flip Forsythe, Santana, and Pence at the deadline if they start to slip. They won’t get much of a return, however, some teams may be desperate.
Has Deshields played his last game in a Rangers uniform? Nobody knows.
Will the Rangers keep Odor even if he continues to struggle? Again, nobody knows. BUT!!!! Willie Calhoun played second base for Nashville again tonight. Hmmmmm
It’s getting interesting for sure.
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