Texas Rangers: Should Joey Gallo Stay in the MLB?

Youngster Joey Gallo has been an unusual bright spot for the Rangers this season. He’s filling in for the injured Adrian Beltre, but should he stay on the Major League roster after Beltre returns?

Right now the Texas Rangers have decided to play it safe with veteran Adrian Beltre. He’s missed the beginning of the season with tightness in his calf. Slugger Joey Gallo has been filling in for Beltre, and has been providing a spark in the lineup.

This season Gallo is hitting .192 with two home runs and nine RBI in eight games. Gallo hit an important triple in the game Wednesday night, and is tied for the team lead in runs batted in with outfielder Nomar Mazara.

The 23-year-old has been built up as a superstar savior throughout his minor league career. The batting average isn’t pretty, but Gallo is playing much better than his average shows. This season Gallo has been an important and useful part of the Rangers offense.

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The problem is when Beltre returns, what happens to Gallo? The Rangers want to give him a fair chance at the Major League level this season, but they don’t have many spots open. He could shift to DH, but that would force Shin-Soo Choo back into the everyday outfield.

That seems like the best solution right now, but might not be a permanent fix. When Beltre is ready he can return to third base, which moves Gallo to full-time DH. That means Choo goes to left field or possibly right field. Nomar Mazara moves to whichever spot Choo doesn’t take.

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It’s not perfect, but the Rangers need to give Gallo a fair opportunity at the Major League level. He’s been seeing the ball well lately, and it’s worth keeping him in the lineup, at least for right now.