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Texas Rangers 2017 Positional Breakdown: Left Field

By Connelly Bock

Jul 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Nomar Mazara (30) doubles in a run against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA Today Sports
Jul 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Nomar Mazara (30) doubles in a run against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA Today Sports /
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May 22, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Ryan Rua (16) rounds third base to score a run during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Ryan Rua (16) rounds third base to score a run during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Rua

Ryan Rua is one of the most interesting players heading into 2017. His numbers against left-handed pitchers will get him in the lineup. The question is where will he play?

He played 169 innings at first base a year ago, and we could see him platoon with Joey Gallo there if the Rangers DH Mike Napoli. He also logged 373 innings in left field, the most of any position.

He could platoon with Mazara, who had a .548 OPS against lefties last season. However, do the Rangers want to platoon Mazara or give the 21-year-old as many opportunity as possible?

When Choo was healthy he platooned with Rua. However, Choo had better numbers against lefties than he did against righties. Choo’s 1.016 OPS against lefties in 2016 is an outlier compared to his career .695 OPS.

If Rua does platoon with Choo, Mazara would more than likely play right field while Rua’s in left. Rua only played 24 innings in right a season ago.

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