The Texas Rangers open the season this Friday, July 24th against the Colorado Rockies.
Due to COVID, they are allowed to start the season with 30 players. They have to pair it back to 28 after one week and then back to 26 at the end of two weeks.
It’s is time to make roster predictions.
Players in Bold are who I predict will stay on the final 26 man roster.
Starting Rotation // 5
- Lance Lynn RHP
- Mike Minor LHP
- Cory Kluber RHP
- Jordan Lyles RHP
- Kyle Gibson RHP
The rotation may be the best thing about this team heading into the season. With five proven starters and only 60 games, unless there is an injury this is pretty set.
Closer // 1
- Jose Leclerc
This job is set going into the season. Leclerc has looked good in the spring and continued to look well in Spring 2.0. He was shaky after signing an extension two years ago. He lost the job last season but was good later in the season in stressful situations. It’s his to lose again.
There are other options with Luke Farrell and Jonathan Hernandez. Nick Goody has closed some games before also.
Bullpen // 9
- Kolby Allard LHP
- Jesse Chavez RHP
- Luke Farrell RHP
- Nick Goody RHP
- Ian Gibaut RHP
- Taylor Hearn LHP
- Jonathan Hernandez RHP
- Joe Palumbo LHP
- Edison Volquez RHP
Kolby Allard and Joe Palumbo are the wildcards here. Ian Gibaut will need to be added to the 40 man roster before opening day. Volquez will be added also after it was announced he has made the team.
Catchers // 3
- Robinson Chirinos
- Jeff Mathis
- Jose Trevino
Jeff Mathis is Mike Minors’ favorite catcher. However, Chris Woodward has always said he isn’t in favor of having personal catchers. In two weeks Mathis days as a Ranger will come to an end.
Infield // 6
- Elvis Andrus SS
- Todd Frazier 1B-3B
- Ronald Guzman 1B
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa 3B
- Rougned Odor 2B
- Rob Refsnyder UT
Most predictions had Yadiel Rivera making the opening day roster. However, he was relegated to the taxi squad along with my original pick Andy Ibanez. That leaves Refsnyder as the remaining utility guy. He also plays in the outfield. But he shouldn’t buy a house in Dallas. In two weeks he will become expendable.
Outfield // 6
- Willie Calhoun
- Shin-Soo Choo
- Joey Gallo
- Scott Heineman
- Danny Santana
- Nick Solak
My prediction is that Refsnyder is the player let go when the final 26 are decided. Most figured Leody Taveras would make the opening day roster. It looks like Willie Calhoun will be ready to be ready by opening day with his hip flexor. If so, Taveras is the likely casualty. He has only played a handful in AA. There is a good chance he will see some time on the active roster at some point this season. You have to imagine that someone will need a few days on the IL at some point.
Photo: —This is a prediction for the opening day. There is also the IL situation which currently has Brett Martin on there with COVID-19. He was just cleared to practice with the team, but will not be ready for opening day. He was good last year. So expect him to make his return at some point.
That will cause Joe Palumbo to likely be the casualty, as he remains stretched out to fill in for the rotation.
There it is. Mock it as you please.
Featured Image: Henry Sandoval/Dallas Sports Nation
