Texas Rangers: Adrian Beltre Safer As Designated Hitter?

Adrian Beltre is without a doubt one of the greatest third basemen in major league baseball history. He’s even one of the most respected players in the history of Texas Rangers baseball. Since his arrival to Arlington, Beltre has won awards, broken records, and has been praised by the organization and the fans for his efforts.

Beltre, 38, is entering his 21st year in the majors. Despite aging, the veteran is showings unique power with a baseball bat and still excels on defense at his primary position of third base. In other words, he’s still playing good baseball despite his age.

Unfortunately, last year, despite breaking a few records, Beltre struggled with injuries. Before Spring Training, Beltre injured his leg while working out at his home. The injury forced him to the first two months of the season. Late in the season, he injured his hamstring. While injuries are part of the game, should the Rangers consider asking him to serve as the team’s designated hitter in an attempt to reduce his risk of being injured again?

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Perhaps it would be prudent to allow someone else to play third base. Beltre won’t be in Arlington forever, so the time for the Rangers to find their next dominant third baseman is definitely coming.

Beltre’s health is certainly important, however, truth be told that even he’s not playing third base, he can still suffer an injury as the designated hitter. As we know, injuries are part of the game and they can happen in a heartbeat. Beltre getting placed on the disabled list strikes a big blow to the Rangers.

It would certainly be in the Rangers’ best interest for Beltre to see more time serving as the team’s designated hitter. Since Beltre hitting skills are still astounding and the Rangers need to find their next third baseman, Beltre is honestly better off as the DH. It’ll help both the ballclub and Beltre. Of course, even if he is the DH for 98 percent of the season, it would be no surprise if manager Jeff Banister put him in at third base once in a while.

Beltre’s entering the final year of his current contract. He has no intention of retiring soon. He’s determined to win a World Series as it’s the only thing he has yet to accomplish in his well-accomplished career. After appearing in only 94 games, his lowest since his rookie season, Beltre is looking to arrive at Spring Training healthy and in good shape.