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Making sense of the Texas Rangers demoting Delino DeShields

By Travis Koch

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 13: Delino DeShields #3 of the Texas Rangers stands on the field after he lines out with a runner on base to end the ninth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 13: Delino DeShields #3 of the Texas Rangers stands on the field after he lines out with a runner on base to end the ninth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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The Texas Rangers made a surprise move yesterday by optioning center fielder Delino DeShields to Triple-A. Here’s how to make sense of it.

We talked about it a few days ago… when Ronald Guzman was ready to return, the Texas Rangers would have to make some sort of harsh roster move. Danny Santana, Logan Forsythe, Jeanmar Gomez and Delino DeShields were on the bubble of either being DFA’d or sent to the minor leagues.

With Guzman returning to action tonight in Houston, the Rangers have made their move. Long time starting center fielder, Delino DeShields, has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville.

GM Jon Daniels shed some light on the organization’s decision:

‘Didn’t want to cut ties permanently with anyone’ is the key takeaway. Danny Santana is out of options, so Texas would have been forced to designate him for assignment, in which there would have been a very outside chance that he would have remained with the organization. In other words, keep him or lose him was the only decision, no gray area. Santana’s impressive offense this year, along with his versatile defense motivated the team to keep him around.

Texas Rangers
SEATTLE, WA – MAY 16: Delino DeShields #3 of the Texas Rangers hits a single to drive in Isiah Kiner-Falefa #9 to take the lead over the Seattle Mariners in the eighth inning at Safeco Field on May 16, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

Texas could have DFA’d Jeanmar Gomez, but that would’ve forced a seven-man bullpen. With 14 games scheduled in the next 15 days, and a pitching staff that isn’t exactly known for eating innings, relying on a short bullpen would have been a major risk.

Logan Forsythe has been too solid of a player to be removed from the roster. He has hit very well, and he has filled in nicely for those lost to injury.

That leaves DeShields, who was eligible to be sent to the minors. Strong arguments can be made for each side. On one hand, DeShields is a good center fielder and he possesses game-changing speed. On the other hand, the Texas Rangers have enough outfielders dominating on offense to make sacrificing defense a worthy cause.

Joey Gallo will transition to center field, allowing the sizzling Hunter Pence to get more playing time. Santana will get some work in center field when the matchup dictates so.

Delino DeShields has without a doubt had his chances. The fact that he played so much a season ago while putting up terrible numbers speaks to the team’s lack of CF depth. But Gallo has proven trustworthy out there, and the outfield is naturally going to work around the world-class slugger instead of the world-class speedster.

DeShields was hitting .184, though his .324 OBP was acceptable. He also successfully swiped bags in seven of eight attempts. It seemed there would always be a place for him in the lineup; however, that is obviously no longer the case. Texas will move forward with their offense-centric squad.

Don’t think you’ve seen the last of DeShields, however. All it takes is another injury and he could be back in the bigs. It will be strange not seeing him around, but it’s likely for the better.

P.S. I predicted this. Actually, I gave DeShields one more month than the Rangers did.

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