Texas Rangers: 5 players with something to prove in the closing month

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ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 25: Delino DeShields #3 of the Texas Rangers beats the tag on third base in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 25, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /

Delino DeShields

DeShields needs to show the Rangers SOMETHING this month. He’s had a miserable season, hitting .205 with 51 runs scored, 20 stolen bases and a .303 OBP. Despite his consistently poor numbers, he’s stayed up with the team for basically the entire season and he continues to start in center field in the majority of the games.

Texas maintains their faith in the speedster. Management knows what kind of game changer DeShields can be if he reaches base and that “if” seems to keep him on the field. But there will come a time when his mediocrity kicks him to the bench or down to the minor leagues. If he doesn’t show some serious progress, he will end up in one of those two places.

His outfield competition is only going to get stiffer. The Texas Rangers have already tried Joey Gallo in center field eight times this season. Plus, next year will be the year in which outfielder Willie Calhoun should make the opening day roster.

Point being, DeShields will no longer be a shoe-in to play center field come 2019. He will have to earn playing time. Moreover, he will have to earn a roster spot with the Rangers.

He needs to finish the 2018 season strong just to gain some personal momentum and to sweeten the sour thoughts that should be going through Jeff Banister‘s and Jon Daniels’ heads. If he wants to prove his worth to the Rangers next season, he needs to improve his numbers to at least a .275 batting average, .330 OBP, 90 runs scored and 30 stolen bases.

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