How the Texas Rangers adding Derek Dietrich could affect Rougned Odor’s playing time
The Texas Rangers announced an interesting batch of roster moves Tuesday evening before their game against the Seattle Mariners, the most significant of which suggests that Rougned Odor’s leash might have been shortened dramatically.
The Rangers purchased the contract of infielder Derek Dietrich, whom they signed to a minor-league deal Monday before saying that he will serve as competition for Odor for playing time at second base.
When talking about the decision to sign Dietrich, general manager Jon Daniels on Tuesday said the Rangers like his power, versatility and energy. He had taken an out in his deal with the Chicago Cubs.
“I think all three things were appealing,” Daniels said. “He’s always been able to impact the ball. He can play second, can play first, can play a little third, can play a little outfield. He goes out there and brings it every day.”
Left-hander Wes Benjamin also joined the roster from the alternate camp to help fortify the bullpen. The Rangers optioned right-hander Jimmy Herget and infielder Anderson Tejeda to the alternate camp, and designated first baseman Greg Bird for assignment after activating him from the injured list.
That created one 40-man spot. The other spot was created when right-hander Luke Farrell was placed on the COVID-19 injured list after having close contact with someone who tested positive.
A source said that the contact did not come outside of the MLB safety protocols in place for the 2020 season and that Farrell tested negative for COVID-19. He was optioned to the alternate camp last week.
Farrell and Dietrich attended the same Cleveland high school, St. Ignatius, though they were never teammates. They are now with the Rangers, who have watched Odor struggle again this season.
He entered Tuesday hitting .128, though he collected singles in back-to-back games. In a 60-game season, the Rangers have said they can’t wait for players to work themselves out of funks.
Dietrich, like Odor a left-handed hitter, batted only .187 last season with Cincinnati, but connected for 19 home runs. They were all against right-handers, against whom he posted a .829 OPS.
This story was originally published August 11, 2020 at 7:03 PM.
