Projecting the Texas Rangers' 26-man roster halfway through spring

Projecting the Texas Rangers’ 26-man roster halfway through spring training

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Members of the Texas Rangers stand during the National Anthem before a MLB baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field on August 28, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

4 of 6

(Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers roster projection 2.0: Designated Hitter (1)

DH: Andy Ibanez

Surprise, surprise!

I know what you’re probably thinking: where’s Willie Calhoun?

The answer? He’s out with a groin injury, and could find himself on the injured list by Opening Day.

It is sounding as if Willie Calhoun is trending more and more toward opening the season on the IL. Not that groin injury is more severe, but Rangers will play cautious here.
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) March 14, 2021

The Texas Rangers will need a DH to begin the season while Calhoun is on the mend. Luckily, they don’t have to look much further than within their own talent ranks to find one.

INF Andy Ibanez is lighting it up at spring training to the tune of a 1.009 OPS in 17 at-bats.

While his defense leaves much to be desired, there’s no doubt about the 27-year-old’s ability to swing the bat.

Therefore, Ibanez seemingly has the makings of an ideal DH.

The career minor leaguer has earned this opportunity, and with Calhoun’s groin injury sidelining him indefinitely, designated hitter could be the perfect spot for Andy Ibanez to step in and make his long-awaited MLB debut!

Home/Texas Rangers News