Texas Rangers: Ryan Rua Grabs Everyday Role in Left Field

The Rangers have an everyday player at almost every position, but left field. That position continues to be a problem for Texas, but have they finally found a solution?

It hasn’t been easy for Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister as the offense has been in a bit of a slump lately. The game of musical chairs in left field has been a theme all season, but might finally come to an end, hopefully.

In 12 of the first 20 games this season, the Rangers started Jurickson Profar in left field. That hasn’t gone according to plan has he’s hitting just .135 with three RBI and five total hits this season.

According to T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers have decided to shake it up and start Ryan Rua in left field. Normally Rua starts exclusively against left-handed pitching, but drew the start against right-handed Ervin Santana on Tuesday.

More from Nolan Writin'

• 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
• Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
• Where do Texas Rangers prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker stand after the DeGrom signing?
• Martin Perez accepting the qualifying offer looking like solid deal for the Rangers
• 4 outfielders the Texas Rangers can still pursue this winter

“We have given Profar a long enough look, now we are going to give Rua an opportunity,” Banister said. “He is moving over from a platoon and we’re giving him bulk at-bats together. We are trying to get a guy and see if he can spark. It wasn’t happening on the other end.”

This season Rua is hitting .138 with just four hits, but Banister believes he’s the right man for the job. Outfielder Delino DeShields had an incredible Spring Training, but is hitting just .167 with three hits this season.

The Rangers desperately need something to click or spark in their offense. It’s been tough to watch lately, but Banister knows this is a problem. According to T.R. Sullivan, Banister had this to say about the slumping lineup.

Next: Rangers Injuries Continue to Pile Up

“Our offense hasn’t been operating on all cylinders. We need to get this going in the right direction.”