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

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The 162 game season is nearing an end, but a handful of Texas Rangers have something left to prove either to themselves, to the organization, or both.

The 2018 Texas Rangers season is nearing a close. Just 18 games remain until everyone’s attention will transition to next year. Most Rangers have very little left to prove as the 162-game grind comes to a halt, but there are of course a handful of players that have quite a bit to prove.

September numbers are most meaningful to players who are just breaking into the big leagues. They want to show their coaches and the front office that they are good enough to play at the major league level, now and hopefully at the start of next season. You’ll see three players on the list that will be fighting for an opening day roster spot in 2019.

In addition, there are two veteran players with something to play for in September. One needs to show he still belongs with the Texas Rangers and the other has more of a selfish purpose over the final 18 games.

Nevertheless, let’s get to your five Rangers that have the most to prove in September…

Yohander Mendez

Texas has been waiting on Mendez to figure things out at the MLB level. The left-hander has now been up with the team in three consecutive seasons; yet, he seemingly exudes less and less promise each call-up.

He made two relief appearances in 2016, allowing a combined six earned runs over just three innings. 2017 saw a 5.11 ERA over 12.1 innings of relief work. He then pitched 0.2 innings in a 2018 May outing, was sent down and then promoted once again to make his first MLB start June 15th against the Colorado Rockies. It was at that moment when he took a few steps back.

He was shelled by Colorado, allowing six runs on seven hits over three innings. But, to his defense, the Rockies are not an easy team to face in a debut start. Unfortunately, Mendez made matters worse when he broke team rules later that night. As a result, he was once again demoted.

Yohander Mendez, at 23 years of age, ranks as the Rangers’ #17 prospect. He had a tremendous opportunity earlier this season to emerge in a rather lackluster rotation. Sadly, behavior of all things spoiled that opportunity.

Now, he is once again pitching in September. Frankly, he’s pitching quite well. He earned the win in a September 2nd start against the Minnesota Twins, allowing no runs in six innings. He followed that start by tossing four innings and giving up two runs to a red-hot Oakland Athletics squad.

The Texas rotation already has the “help sign” posted for 2019. They will expect Mendez to fill a spot in next year’s rotation. All he has to do to fulfill that expectation is finish the 2018 season strong and show consistency throughout spring training.

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.

Ariel Jurado

Like Yohander Mendez, Ariel Jurado is in pursuit of a rotation spot in 2019. He’s benefited from a good amount of playing time this season, but just because he is currently part of the big league mix does not mean he will be next year.

The rookie has much to improve on. Over nine outings, he has an unimpressive 7.03 ERA and 1.664 WHIP. He has also averaged less than five innings per start. Command has been a problem; however, that is to be expected from a first year big leaguer.

Jurado needs to show improvement in his remaining few starts this season. As a sinkerball pitcher, he needs to be able to pound the strike zone and force ground balls. If he can’t do those things then he is not going to find much success in MLB.

A strong finish would be nice, but his true test will come in spring training. As of this moment, it seems the big right-hander would be part of the opening day roster. With that said, the Rangers could sign a couple of starting pitchers this offseason to add to Jurado’s competition. We already know he’ll be competing with Mendez in the spring so let’s go ahead and declare our first position battle of 2019.

C.D. Pelham

The Rangers will have to find men to fill out their bullpen next season as well. C.D. Pelham is one of a few September call-ups that could find a spot in the Texas pen in 2019.

Really, the only reserved spots are for Jose Leclerc, Alex Claudio and Chris Martin. Of course, Tony Barnette and Matt Bush are expected to be back. There will certainly be a few bullpen spots up for grabs.

Pelham probably needs some additional minor league time to refine his repertoire. In 3.1 innings with the Rangers this year, he has a 5.40 ERA with two walks allowed and a 2.400 WHIP. His control is not yet major league ready.

The good news is he is only 23 years old and he is only progressing. Pelham has climbed the prospects chart, currently ranking as the #16 prospect in the organization. His improvement has been steady ever since he was drafted by the Rangers just three seasons ago. He will undoubtedly have a place in the Texas bullpen in the near future.

As for this September, he needs to prove he can throw strikes and he needs to prove capable of handling major league hitters. Relievers don’t have much time to settle into a game. As such, Pelham must show he can control the baseball from the first pitch of an appearance to the last.

Adrian Beltre

By all means, Adrian Beltre has nothing to prove to anybody. He’s already solidified himself as a future Hall of Fame third baseman and he’s given far more than enough to the game of baseball and to all of his teammates throughout his 21-year career.

He may however have something left to prove to himself. Beltre is at a crossroads in his career. He can keep playing…continue to climb all-time leaderboards and perhaps pursue the championship he has long been deprived of. Or, he can retire…spend time with his family and embark on his life after baseball goals.