Texas Rangers options at first base

Texas Rangers first baseman is the latest player to be bitten by the injury bug.  Like so many others this season, he’ll be placed on the disabled list and have pretty much what will be season ending surgery.  Moreland will make the 19th Rangers to land on the disabled list this season and to make things worse he’s the 3rd first baseman the Rangers have lost.

April 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (6, right) is congratulated by catcher Robinson Chirinos (61) for scoring against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

After the Texas Rangers lost Prince Fielder this season Mitch Moreland then became the every day first baseman.   Another player that is often left out of the conversion is Kevin Kouzmanoff, he served as the third baseman while Adrian Beltre was on the 15-day disabled list.  Kouzmanoff is also able to play first base and if he was healthy he would likely be on the roster to serve as the first baseman since Moreland is out.

On Sunday when it was announced that Mitch Moreland is going to have surgery this Wednesday Donnie Murphy started at first base.  He could likely stay at first with the Rangers, but there are some other options for the Rangers. 

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The Rangers could use Robinson Chirinos and Chris Gimenez at first base some.  Although that is an option, it is doubtful Chirinos would play at first base.  If the Texas Rangers do use one of their catchers at first base, it will likely be Chris Gimenez.  He would likely play at first with the exceptions of days when Yu Darvish pitches.

If they do use either one of the catchers at first base, they’ll likely need to call back up J.P. Arencibia to serve as a backup catcher then.

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Brett Nicholas against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

They do have another option in the minors with Brett Nicholas.  Nicholas would be a great option for the Rangers to bring up because he is able to catch and play first base.

The Rangers recently were in the mix with the Kendrys Morales news.  Many thought he would be a good fit for the Rangers and could have used him even before Moreland was injured. Even though the Rangers knew Moreland was done, they passed on Morales.  Which signals that any options they are going to use at first base will come from within.

Right it appears they’ll use Donnie Murphy, but they should be calling someone up to replace Moreland soon.  When they do Brett Nicholas would be a great option for them.  It would give them additional depth at catcher and at first base.