Isiah-Kiner Falefa at third, Todd Frazier at first now top option for Texas Rangers
What was becoming apparent at Texas Rangers summer camp became official Wednesday afternoon: Isiah Kiner-Falefa has taken the lead in a muddled race for everyday playing time.
Manager Chris Woodward confirmed that Kiner-Falefa, a utility infielder when spring training started in Arizona, is now positioned to be the starter at third base in a move that would slide Todd Frazier to first base and leave first basemen Ronald Guzman and Greg Bird vying for a bench spot.
Neither has been impressive enough to stake a claim for the full-time duties, and Kiner-Falefa’s breakthrough as an offensive threat has the Rangers believing their best course might be for him to play every day.
“I think he has the edge right now, to be completely honest. I’m not going to be shy about admitting that,” Woodward said. “These next six or seven games are going to be important, but I’m just looking for consistency.”
Kiner-Falefa, who a season ago was trying to learn how to catch, hasn’t bulked up, but has found a swing that works for his body type. He homered off Lance Lynn, who had been almost untouchable, on Monday and later connected for a two-run single with 103-mph exit velocity.
He’s solid defensive at third, but he can also play shortstop and second base. And if an emergency catcher is needed, Kiner-Falefa can do that, too.
But it’s his improved offense that has improved his chances since he’s delivering while Guzman and Bird are struggling. The Rangers can’t afford to have a streaky hitter in the lineup in a 60-game season.
“I’m not asking Kiner to go out and get three or four hits every day and hit a homer every day,” Woodward said. “The consistent quality of the at-bat, we need that to start the season. That’s how we’re going to put points on the board. If we have nine guys who do that consistently, we’re going to be in good shape.”
There’s still time for things to change. Bird has started picking up the pace, and Guzman might not be too far behind after missing several workouts while stuck in the MLB pre-camp safety protocol.
While Woodward considers Guzman to be the best defensive first baseman in the American League, Bird has left a favorable impression. However, defense won’t be the determining factor on who makes the team.
This might be: Guzman has a minor-league option remaining and Bird can opt out of his minor-league contract Saturday.
