Texas Rangers want Jurickson Profar to Focus on One Position

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that utility infielder Jurickson Profar was struggling at the Major League level. The Rangers sent him to the minors to get extra work, but want him to focus on playing just one position now.

After the Texas Rangers claimed veteran infielder Pete Kozma off waivers they sent former top prospect Jurickson Profar to the Triple-A Round Rock. He has fallen out of the left field rotation, and the Rangers want him to get regular playing time in Triple-A.

It has been tough for Profar, hitting just .135 with three RBI in 15 games this season. The Rangers would like Profar to work primarily as a shortstop, so that he can focus on his offense. He desperately needs to bounce back in the minors.

At this point the Rangers will likely look to trade Profar at the July 31st trade deadline. He’s become almost a non-factor to their organization, and the team has other needs that could be filled via trade. The 24-year-old needs to find his groove before any of that can even be talked about.

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According to T.R. Sullivan, Rangers manager Jeff Banister had this to say about the decision to make Profar primarily a shortstop.

“He was originally a shortstop,” manager Jeff Banister said. “Re-energize him, get the athleticism going. We gave him some opportunities here to get going and play the outfield and be one of the hitters. It got to the point where he needs to go out and play. We were able to get Kozma so it gives us that opportunity.”

“We are going to need Jurickson at some point,” Banister said. “We would rather have him fresh and playing every day as opposed to sitting on the bench. The key is the ability to play every day. We are a better ballclub when Jurickson is playing every day and part of the rotation.”