These Texas Rangers made the most out of their opportunity in 2014

These Rangers hope the big league looks they got in 2014 turn into permanent homes in Arlington. — Stefan Stevenson

OF Jake Smolinski

He set a Rangers record with eight hits in his first four games played last July and stayed red-hot at the plate and in the field until a broken foot sidelined him for nearly two months.

OF Ryan Rua

Earned a September call-up after hitting .306 with 18 homers and 74 RBIs in 129 games between Double A and Triple A. Considered a prime candidate to start in left, along with Smolinski, entering spring training.

RHP Lisalverto Bonilla

After making two appearances out of the bullpen in September, he started his three final games, earning wins after going at least five innings, including six scoreless innings on four hits in his final start.

LHP Alex Claudio

The 23-year-old had a successful stint last August and September as a left-handed specialist. Except for a three-hit, two run outing against the Braves, Claudio limited opponents to two earned runs on 11 hits in 11 1/3 innings.

RHP Phil Klein

After a dominating 33 appearances between Double A and Triple A, Klein made his major league debut in August. He showed an ability to go long in relief including a five strikeout 2 2/3 hitless stint against the Rays on Aug. 14.

RHP Nick Martinez

As a rookie in 2014, he logged the third-most innings on the staff, learning on the job the ins and outs of pitching at the big league level. He showed improvement late in the season, pitching at least 51/3 innings in his final six starts with no more than two earned runs allowed each outing.

This story was originally published April 4, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "These Texas Rangers made the most out of their opportunity in 2014."