Texas Rangers Spring Training: 3 players heating up at the right time

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Less than two weeks is what separates Texas Rangers spring training from the 2021 Texas Rangers regular season, and we couldn’t be more pumped!

It looks like some of the players are kicking things into gear as well, particularly the ones who struggled mightily out of the gate at Surprise.

When it comes to deciding who will make the Opening Day cut, the next two weeks will be vital in that evaluation process.

Here are three Texas Rangers players who might be helping their own cause at just the right time!

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Khris Davis

OF/DH Khris Davis might be hitting his way onto the Texas Rangers’ roster.

Talk about doing a complete 360!

Just a short while ago, we pegged Khris Davis as being one of the players most in danger of losing their roster spot with the Rangers after having a horrendous start to spring training.

Oh, how things change…

In Thursday night’s Cactus league victory vs. the Cincinnati Reds, “Khrush” homered twice in a four RBI night that amounted to his best spring game so far.

kHRush x2. pic.twitter.com/lVXQWsqGq0
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) March 19, 2021

His second home run, a three-run blast, capped off a team comeback effort after falling behind early due to starter Mike Foltynewicz’ struggles.

Davis also homered in a “B” league game on Wednesday night, so it looks as if the veteran slugger is finding his groove past the midway point in spring training.

If that’s indeed the case, this late push could be enough to award Davis a roster spot come Opening Day.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Solak

2B Nick Solak has found his swing timing just in time for the Texas Rangers regular season!

It was never a question of whether Nick Solak would begin the season at second base for the Texas Rangers, but rather would he finally tap into the plus hit tool that made him a coveted trade target back in 2019?

Based on the way the 26-year-old has been swinging the lumber recently, we’d say so.

Solak hit an opposite field grand slam in the Rangers’ Tuesday night victory over the SF Giants and followed that up with another home run in Wednesday’s win over the Diamondbacks.

Showlak is back! pic.twitter.com/DmrG9NgmyQ
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) March 18, 2021

Prior to this mini power outburst, Solak had looked lethargic with the bat in spring. It look as though the issue was about swing timing, and the new results are paying dividends.

Overall, Solak’s roster spot was never in question, but in a season that will likely be make-or-break for the 26-year-old at second base, his newfound hot-hitting will only bolster his case to stick around.

Mandatory Credit: MLB photos via USA TODAY Sports /

Leody Taveras

After a slow start to the spring, CF Leody Taveras seems to be making a late Texas Rangers roster push.

I guess we’re in the business of executing 360’s around here.

Like Khris Davis, it wasn’t long ago that we were clamoring about the possibility that Leody Taveras could start the 2021 season in AAA.

This might still be in the cards for the Rangers No. 4 prospect, as his primary competition in center field (namely Eli White) continues to trade blow for blow this spring.

Taveras has been heating up lately, though, with better quality at-bats that are translating into hits and RBIs.

It seems like Taveras is finally making the adjustments back to MLB pitching that they’ve made on him since making his big league debut in 2020.

Will it be enough? Only time will tell, but for now, Taveras will have to earn back his starting job with Eli White’s overall spring performance standing out.

Next. Middle of the Rangers' batting order is lethal. dark

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