Brent Lillibridge sent down, but could return with the Rangers

March 24, 2014 Surprise, Ariz – The Texas Rangers made several decisions on Saturday and one was to send Brent Lillibridge to the minor league camp. It wasn’t a total surprise but it was a little disappointing. Lillibridge started off spring training red hot and continued to have a very good spring training. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Surprise, Ariz – The Texas Rangers made several decisions on Saturday and one was to send Brent Lillibridge to the minor league camp.  It wasn’t a total surprise but it was a little disappointing.  Lillibridge started off spring training red hot and continued to have a very good spring training.

Lillibridge played in about half of the Texas Rangers spring training games (13 games) and played very well.  It wasn’t until as of late that his red hot bat cooled down.  After 3 weeks of camp, he had a batting average of .583 and was the talk of camp.  But, things calmed down and he returned back to earth.  He currently has a .283 batting average with 1 triple ,1 home run and only 6 strike outs.

He could return: The flood gates seem to be wide open with all of the recent injuries.  The latest have Geovany Soto, Jurickson Profar and Engel Beltre to miss some time now.  Soto and Profar will be out 10-12 weeks and E. Beltre will begin the season on the disabled list.  The Texas Rangers haven’t announced a return time for Beltre yet.  It is starting to look like Brent Lillibridge could return to camp as early as today.  The Rangers could use a player like Lillibridge because he is very versatile.   He gives them a decent right handed hitter, plus he’s able to play almost any position in infield.  If they do bring him back, I would imagine he would get some time in the outfield and at second base.  His career numbers are not the best, but the Rangers are going to be looking for someone to hold down the spot for 10-12 weeks and it appears he might be the one.

2013 stats

MLB 

• 20 games/ 59 at-bats
• .119 batting average
• 1 double
• 17 strike outs

Minors

• 89 games/ 310 at-bats
• .277 batting average
• 16 doubles
• 12 home runs