Youth movement? Texas Rangers signal shift with prospect Leody Taveras amid 8-game skid
Has the youth movement begun?
The Texas Rangers called up center fielder Leody Taveras before Monday’s series opener against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field.
Taveras made the Opening Day roster on July 24 but played only the ninth inning as a defense replacement and had no at-bats. He was optioned to the alternate site on July 28. At 21-year-old, he was the youngest Rangers position player to debut on Opening Day since Hank Blalock in 2002.
“Him playing up here is going to improve our defense,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “His at-bat quality has improved over the last couple of years. He’s capable of developing more power. It helps the club in the short term, but also use this opportunity to get him some needed development time and also provide us with more information to make decisions this winter.”
In 15 spring training games before the pandemic shutdown, the switch-hitting Taveras hit .304. He hit .279 with 19 doubles, eight triples, five homers, and 32 stolen bases in 131 minor league games in 2019. He split time between High A and Double A.
Taveras was set to lead off Monday night
“Leo kind of fits that mold,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said. “From what I’ve seen in both camps, he controls the strike zone. I’m excited about it,” Woodward said. “I think that much of him. I don’t think the moment is going to be too big for him.”
Taveras is likely to take playing time away from Scott Heineman. Nick Solak will move to left field. Eventually, Solak could be moved to his original position at second base, especially with Rougned Odor continuing to struggle.
Other Rangers moves Monday:
- Catcher Robinson Chirinos was activated from the injured list.
- RHP Jesse Chavez was placed on the 10-day injured list.
- INF/OF Rob Refsnyder was designated for assignment.
This story was originally published August 24, 2020 at 4:33 PM.
