Texas Rangers: Willie Calhoun Gets Call-Up, Mazara Hits the DL

The Texas Rangers called up prospect Willie Calhoun on Friday and moved star outfielder, Nomar Mazara, to the Disabled List.

At long last, the Texas Rangers have called up slugging prospect, Willie Calhoun from Triple-A Round Rock. Calhoun, who was acquired in a trade with the Dodgers last year at the deadline, has been a highly anticipated call up among fans this season.

A Long Awaited Arrival

Willie “June” Calhoun as he is nicknamed has been swinging a hot bat in Round Rock this season hitting .306/.360/.444 in 94 games. Fans have been calling for Texas to promote the youngster especially once the season fell into disrepair. A slugger from the left side of the plate, Calhoun almost cracked the MLB roster out of Spring Training but was sent to the minors to work on his defensive abilities. “June” voiced his displeasure at the assignment and was even pulled from a game on May 28th for a lack of hustle. Since the benching though, Calhoun has been on a tear hitting .348/.403/.505 and has accumulated 14 walks to just 12 strikeouts according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

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Calhoun himself hinted at the promotion Friday afternoon tweeting out a plane emoji alongside the name Dallas. The tweet was quickly deleted but many local writers voiced their expectations that a move was being made.

Nomar Mazara Heads to the DL

Calhoun’s call-up doesn’t come without some negative. It seems that his promotion is due in part to outfielder Nomar Mazara being put on the Disabled List. Mazara hit the DL with a thumb sprain from a play in Baltimore last week as Evan Grant tweeted.

Nomar was one of the Rangers most consistent players in the lineup this season. The 23 year old outfielder is hitting .272 this season with 15 homeruns and 58 RBIs in 91 games.

It’s unknown whether the Calhoun promotion will last once Mazara returns from the DL or not. After the trade of Jesse Chavez on Thursday, the Rangers did have an extra roster spot available although they no doubt will be looking to add a pitcher to their current squad.

Calhoun Already Starting

Willie Calhoun is in the starting lineup for Friday night’s game against the Cleveland Indians. Calhoun is hitting 2nd as the DH tonight with Shin-Soo Choo replacing Mazara in right field. First pitch for Calhoun’s 2018 debut is set for 7:05 CT.