How a small break has turned into a bad break for Texas Rangers catcher Jose Trevino
A second set of X-rays of Jose Trevino’s right hand showed a hairline fracture in his index finger that will cost him two weeks and put a dent in his chances at making the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster.
Trevino was already an outsider in the catching picture behind Robinson Chirinos and Jeff Mathis despite finishing last season on the big-league roster. The Rangers are hopeful that Trevino can play in games the final week of camp, but that might not give him enough at-bats to get going offensively again.
“Right now it’s pretty hard to say he’d be ready to go once the season starts,” assistant general manager Shiraz Rehman said. “We’re optimistic that he would be, but more of a question mark before this scan.”
The Rangers open the season March 26 at Seattle, only five days after spring training ends. Opening day in the minors isn’t until April 9, which would give Trevino ample time to get ready for Triple A Nashville’s season if he doesn’t make the Rangers’ roster.
Manager Chris Woodward said that Trevino was upset with the new diagnosis after initial scans showed no fracture and the injury was called a bruise. A second exam was given after swelling went down.
Woodward’s message to Trevino was to stay hungry.
“He’s taken a huge step forward offensively, and defensively he’s one of the best we have,” Woodward said. “He felt like that’s as good as he’s ever felt on a baseball field as far as helping our team in every way. I told him you have to stay positive because that thing is going to heal.”
Chirinos has been dealing with a mild strain in his right hamstring but is expected to be the Rangers’ designated hitter on Sunday. He caught Mike Minor in a simulated game Saturday and has been running the bases the past three days.
Another candidate for the roster is Blake Swihart, who is in camp as a catcher but can play multiple infield positions and in the outfield.
Nick Cuiffo started Saturday against the Chicago White Sox and has enjoyed a nice start to his spring. He spent most of last season at Triple A Durham but played played three games for the Tampa Bay Rays.
This story was originally published February 29, 2020 at 3:35 PM.
