Texas Rangers have work left on opening roster, but competition narrowed after moves
Opening Day arrives Friday for the Texas Rangers, and as of Sunday evening their season-opening roster started to become more clear.
Nineteen of the 58 active players on the summer camp roster were shipped to the alternate site, Globe Life Park, to continue working out as what essentially will be the Rangers’ Triple A team in the 60-game 2020 season.
But those who weren’t among the transactions tell what the Rangers have left to decided before facing the Colorado Rockies in five days.
First baseman Greg Bird, who could have opted out of his minor-league deal Saturday, remains in big-league camp, as do outfielders Scott Heineman, Adolis Garcia and Leody Taveras.
Right-handed relievers Ian Gibaut and Jimmy Herget weren’t relocated, strengthening their roster bids, and left-handers Taylor Hearn, Joe Palumbo, Kolby Allard and Wes Benjamin are still competing for as many as three bullpen spots.
Final rosters are due Thursday morning after a difficult, incomplete evaluation process.
“I think it’s unfair in a lot of ways, but that’s just what we’re dealing with,” manager Chris Woodward said. “I feel bad, but at the same time there’s nothing else we can do. I applaud our guys for coming in ready. That was the biggest thing.”
The Rangers will have to shed a few 40-man players to squeeze in all the non-roster players they eventually keep. Even though many roster rules have been manipulated for this season, players still must be designated for assignment and must clear waivers to remain in the organization.
Perhaps the biggest surprise among position players to still be in the roster hunt is Taveras, who has never played above Double A and is coming off two lackluster seasons in the minors. A premium defender, he has hit, hit for power, drawn walks and been a pest with his speed.
Heineman and Garcia have also impressed this summer, with Garcia showing the most pop. All three are on the 40-man roster, which helps their chances, and all three have minor-league options remaining, which could hurt their chances.
“All of them have earned it,” Woodward said.
The Rangers have only two open spots on the 40-man, making it difficult to add an unlimited supply of non-roster players. Gibaut, Herget, Benjamin, Bird and first baseman/outfielder Rob Refsnyder came to camp on minor-league contracts.
One 40-man spot will go to righty Edinson Volquez, who has made the team on a minor-league deal.
Bird could get another. He is still competing with Ronald Guzman for playing time at first base, but it’s apparent that Todd Frazier will open the season at first and Isiah Kiner-Falefa will be at third.
Bird appears to have the edge, though neither player has impressed. Woodward said that Guzman is in the process of stripping down his swing and might not have enough games left, but Bird would need a 40-man spot.
“I feel confident with Frazier over there,” Woodward said. “If either one of those pick it up a little bit, they could find themselves kind of taking on that role, especially with the left-handed bat. We need that.”
Refsnyder, Nick Solak and Danny Santana are other options at first base. Hearn, Benjamin, Palumbo and Allard are options for the bullpen with fellow left-handers Brett Martin (COVID-19) and Joely Rodriguez (lat) not available for the opener.
Hearn looks like a good bet. The Rangers believe their rotation depth wouldn’t be hampered by making Palumbo or Allard a short-term reliever, and Benjamin, who has been a starter in the minors, would need a 40-man spot.
Martin, who tested positive during pre-camp screening, has been cleared to participate but will start the season on the injured list. So will righty Rafael Montero, who was expected to be the eighth-inning set-up man ahead of closer Jose Leclerc.
Gibaut and Herget might not pitch the eighth inning, but they have impressed. Gibaut could have opted out of his deal Saturday, but Herget doesn’t not have an out and would be assigned to the alternate site if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.
They are still standing while veteran Cody Allen was among those sent to the alternate site, along with fellow righties Juan Nicasio, Derek Law and Luis Garcia.
“It was more of the roster, having to make room for them on the roster,” Woodward said. “We were going to have to cut into our own bone. We knew we had limited guys that we had with non-roster guys.“
