Rangers notes: DeShields could end up at second base
Delino DeShields could be an option at second base.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister has kept that on the table since spring training.
DeShields, who came up in the Astros’ organization as a second baseman before moving to the outfield full time in 2014, has continued to get pregame infield work.
If Rougned Odor, who was sent down to Triple A Round Rock to work on his swing, doesn’t snap out of his slump, DeShields could be an option, especially if Tommy Field struggles to produce offensively. Field started at second in Monday’s series opener against the Royals and hit a home run in the seventh inning.
DeShields started in left field Monday night.
“Just based on what he’s done, tough at-bats, nice walks, he’s been exceptional on the bases with the exception of the base running lapse [Sunday],” Banister said. “His at-bats lately have warranted him an opportunity to get in the game.”
With outfielder Josh Hamilton set to arrive soon, along with first baseman Mitch Moreland, the outfield could become crowded. Perhaps DeShields could find playing time once again at second.
Martinez nicked
Right-hander Nick Martinez (2-0, 1.47 ERA) starts Tuesday night against Royals right-hander Edinson Volquez (2-3, 2.65 ERA).
It’s the first time Martinez is coming off a less-than stellar start. He was replaced after he allowed three runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings at Tampa Bay on Thursday, a game the Rangers eventually won 5-4.
It’s the first time in six starts this season that Martinez didn’t go at least six innings. Martinez said he tried nibbling on the corners too much in the fifth.
“I’m going to stay with the same approach that I’ve had the whole season; keep attacking guys, create early contact,” he said. “I did get away from it that last inning, but I’m not going to let that determine my entire outing the next time out.”
Road warriors
The Rangers are 10-9 on the road this season after going 5-2 on their past road trip.
The Rangers were 3-9 at Globe Life Park entering Monday’s game with the Royals, which matches the lowest home win total through 12 games (1982, ’84 ’85 and ’92). The club, which was 1-5 on its last homestand, hopes to bring the winning ways home.
“It was huge. After that homestand at that point, we didn’t feel good,” Elvis Andrus said. “We were really into it. We know we have to play better and that was our mentality on the road trip. Now we’re here and we haven’t played well at home and we have to take that seriously.”
Moreland update
Moreland is expected play for Triple A Round Rock on Tuesday and return to the Rangers on Wednesday.
He has been on a rehab assignment since having a loose bone removed from his left elbow. Moreland walked three times Monday night at Nashville.
Briefly
▪ Outfielder Ryan Rua, who has been out since April 10 with a fracture in his right heel, played catch on Monday.
Key stat
399 Home runs for Adrian Beltre, who tied Al Kaline and Andres Galarraga for 52nd all-time with a two-run homer in the fourth inning Monday. Beltre, who has four homers this season, needs eight more to tie Duke Snider for 51st place at 407.
Stefan Stevenson, 817-390-7760
Twitter: @StevensonFWST
This story was originally published May 11, 2015 at 9:10 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: DeShields could end up at second base."